tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:11:47 +0000EthiopiaNewsTPLFEthiopian NewsOpinionVideoElectionsEritreaBarack ObamaKenyaHuman Rights In EthiopiaAddis AbabaEPRDFGinbot7MigrantsTeshome DebalkeESATEthiopianSomaliaAndargachew TsigeZone 9IsraelLibyaRefugeesISISJournalistsMeles ZenawiYemenEthiopian DiasporaRepressionSouth AfricaBerhanu NegaFootballHailemariam DesalegneSudanTeddy AfroWendy Shermanal-ShababAlemayehu G. 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VideoMohammed Hussein Al-AmoudiMolla AsgedomMolla HailemariamMombasaMourningMoyaleMuslimsNebait AregayNejashi MosqueNew YorkNews.Nick AshdownNigeriaNile RiverOLFONLFOhioOmo ValleyOnlineOromiaPeriodsPew Research CenterPhilip HammondPortlandPortsPriestPrisonRacismRacistRailwayRainsRamadanRapeRebelsReeyot AlemuRiek MacharRiggingRocketRomeRumorRwdwan HusseinSamayawi PartySanctionsSatelliteSebhat NegaSharmini PeriesShashamaneShiferaw Shigutie WolassaShiferaw TeklemariamSoccerSolomon MengistSongSpace StationSpywareStanley StewartSudan TV LiveSupreme CourtSurvival InternationalT.GoshuTaschereshegnaleshTaxiTaye NegussieTedros ChaosTeshome AbebeThe WeekndTigraiOnlineTigray TVTokyoTourismTransportationTravelTunisiaTurkeyU.S. NewsUKUNESCOUberUgandaUhuru KenyattaWater ShortageWestgate mallWind PowerWomanWorld BankWorld Heritage SitesWorld RecordWoyaneYegnaYelma BekeleYilikal GetnetZehabesha.comZionmaidDuramehttp://www.durame.com/noreply@blogger.com (Admin)Blogger536125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-1306325733660643782Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:11:00 +00002015-07-31T10:11:47.511-07:00AustraliaEthiopiaHuman Rights In EthiopiaNewsTPLFThere is no hope for her to survive: Ethiopian woman fears deportation <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-166m5LiCYBU/VbusCL909xI/AAAAAAAAMEY/56uIGa7yN10/s1600/Yeshiwork%2BAbrha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-166m5LiCYBU/VbusCL909xI/AAAAAAAAMEY/56uIGa7yN10/s640/Yeshiwork%2BAbrha.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Yeshiwork Abrha fears deportation to Ethiopia. Photo: Simon O'Dwyer</span></div><br />By <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/there-is-no-hope-for-her-to-survive-ethiopian-woman-fears-deportation-20150729-gimutz.html" target="_blank">Bianca Hall</a><br /><br />Yeshiwork Abrha's​ hands shake as she sifts through the paperwork that has decided her fate. She looks up helplessly, she can't find the words.<br /><br />Her friend, Melbourne Ethiopian community leader Kojii Umer, speaks on her behalf.<br /><br />"There is no hope for her to survive. That is our concern. The Australian government knows this situation, but they are telling her to go home. That's our concern."<br /><br />On Thursday, Ms Yeshiwork's visa expires and she must report to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.<br /><br />With no valid visa, it is all but certain she will be sent to a detention centre and authorities will prepare to deport her. But her compatriots and supporters are in no doubt: if she is forced to go home, she will be jailed, or worse.<br /><br />Ms Yeshiwork is an active supporter of the pro-democracy opposition group Ginbot 7. Other supporters have been forced to flee Ethiopia in their thousands, after the government declared five opposition groups to be terrorist organisations in 2011.<br /><br />At the 2011 census, there were 8453 Ethiopian-born Australians, most of whom live in Victoria. The vast majority are political refugees.<br /><br />When she arrived in Australia in 2011, Ms Yeshiwork worked for the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture. She came on a three-month visa, to take part in a short-term professional development course sponsored by her government.<br /><br />While she was here, she says, her brother, also a member of the outlawed group, was arrested. He has not been seen since.<br /><br />Ginbot 7's leader, Andargachew Tsege​ – who Ms Yeshiwork worked for in Ethiopia – wrote to the Refugee Review Tribunal on her behalf in 2012, in a letter seen by Fairfax Media.<br /><br />He wrote: "Ms Yeshiwork is one of our active member [sic] in Melbourne, Australia which is known by the international security tentacles [sic] of the Ethiopian regime operating from each Embassies around the world [sic]...We strongly believe that if forced to return to Ethiopia she would gravely suffer in the hands of the agents of the repressive regime".<br /><br />Two years after he wrote that letter, Mr Andargachew, a British citizen, was abducted by Ethiopian security forces during a stop-over in Yemen, and taken back to Ethiopia.<br /><br />He has been on death row in Ethiopia ever since. The United Nations has made repeated demands for his release.<br /><br />The Ginbot 7 political group has repeatedly written to the Australian government warning that Ms Yeshiwork faces the same fate as Mr Andargachew, but Australian authorities deny she is at grave risk.<br /><br />Ms Yeshiwork applied for asylum in Australia two months after she arrived in 2011, but her application was rejected. The officer assessing her claim wrote: "I am ... of the view that the applicant either does not think it is important to provide correct information to the department at all times or that she has sought to embellish her claims."<br /><br />The Refugee Review Tribunal similarly rejected her appeal in February 2013.<br /><br />In April 2013, Ms Yeshiwork wrote a desperate letter to then immigration minister Brendan O'Connor, asking him to intervene in her case. He declined.<br /><br />Finally, three weeks ago, she wrote to Immigration Minister, Peter Dutton, begging him to reconsider her asylum rejection.<br /><br />She said that if Ethiopian authorities could snatch Mr Andargachew from another country, she would "face immediate arrest and persecution and death" if forced to return to Ethiopia.<br /><br />"There is no safety for me ... If the Ethiopians can capture and imprison a dissident who is a British citizen and in another country, I know that they will arrest me as soon as I return to Ethiopia. I have no defence against them. No one can protect me."<br /><br />Anglican archdeacon and Anglicare board member Ray McInnes also wrote to &nbsp;Mr Dutton, pleading for Ms Yeshiwork to be spared deportation.<br /><br />"I seriously fear for her life and future if this occurs," he wrote.<br /><br />"She would be a fine citizen and an asset to our country. I hope you might reconsider her dilemma and exercise whatever powers you have at your disposal to enable Yeshi to stay in Australia in freedom."<br />Last week, she received a final bridging visa. It expired on Wednesday.<br /><br />A spokeswoman for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection said it would not be appropriate to comment on individual visa applications.<br /><br /></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/there-is-no-hope-for-her-to-survive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-509957831749614225Fri, 31 Jul 2015 15:50:00 +00002015-07-31T08:50:21.072-07:00Barack ObamaDemocracyEthiopiaOpinionEthiopia: The Bitter Pill of Obama’s Speech<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxDu9sa-KHM/VbuZKm2sKGI/AAAAAAAAMEI/UMmFz4iDcfo/s1600/Obama-Addis-Ababa-Press-Conference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxDu9sa-KHM/VbuZKm2sKGI/AAAAAAAAMEI/UMmFz4iDcfo/s640/Obama-Addis-Ababa-Press-Conference.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><b>The Bitter Pill of Obama’s Speech</b><br />July 30, 2015<br /><br />By <a href="http://ecadforum.com/2015/07/30/the-bitter-pill-of-obamas-speech/" target="_blank">Tsigereda Schwoerer</a><br /><br />I agree that Obama made a good speech but the reality is that Weyane is getting more funds and strength by the same people who play lip services. More fund for Weyanes means more repression against the poor people of Ethiopia yet, to continue.President Obama twice called the government of Ethiopia “democratically elected”<br /><br />Obama spoke about the need for Democratic openness, respect to the Rule of Law and the need for elections to be more inclusive and democratic in nature instead of, being held for “formality”. However, there is no guarantee to make on the propositions by Obama made to hold the Weyanes accountable. Last March during the “budgeting conference on the Post SDGs 2015 goals” that I spoke to some higher officials at the UN and some government officials from Europe and Africa regarding the lack democratic governance in Ethiopia. They all sounded concerned and pointed out that the government should be responsible and ought to take a corrective measure or audit itself (literally) of its wrong doings regarding bad governance, human rights violations and/or economic injustices otherwise; they implied that people must fight for their rights. In other words, that “YOYO” i.e., you are on your own.<br /><br />I can’t agree more on the latter recommendation that the people must fight for Democracy. Currently, literally it seems like that no one cares about human rights violations in Ethiopia since, every one is hungry to exploit and expend Ethiopia’s natural resources and the overwhelming cheap human capital. The UN sponsored Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) post 2015 “Financing for Development Conference” that was held in Addis from July 13-16, 2015 where all the various global stalk holders of businesses such as, hedge fund managers, Private equity firms, endowment firms, governments, the Bill Gates of the World, China &amp; India have committed to raise $trillions of dollars is about to invest in Ethiopia/Africa in the name of fighting poverty. In reality, the investors are the one who would prosper exponentially as they partitioned Africa and exploit its natural resources while causing African poverty continues to persist and while endangering and degrading its environment. Please check the link below “Countries reach historic agreement to generate Financing for new Sustainable agenda.” “The agreement was reached by the 193 UN Member States attending the Conference, following negotiations under the leadership of Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.” Obama’s trip seems to rubber stamp this business expedition. <a href="http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/ffd3/press-release/countries-reach-historic-agreement.html">http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/ffd3/press-release/countries-reach-historic-agreement.html</a><br /><br />In my opinion, that Weyanes are opening the can of worms to eat up Ethiopia alive before a farmer in Ethiopia has a chance to own a land and/or be able to feed his family. There will not be sustainable development without the participation of the endogenous people of Ethiopia on their own resources. There won’t be development without Democracy and the respect to Human rights and the Rule of Law.<br /><br />Investment should be inclusive and there are no democratic institutions in Ethiopia for that to happen. That is why I have my reservation of the so-called FDI. Obama is to make sure that the U.S. businesses and security interests and participations of the U.S. are in firm foundation.<br /><br />Unfortunately, China and India have already made Africa their turf to feed their billions of hungry populations now and the future even if it means at the expense the Ethiopian children perishing left and right for years to come.<br /><br />Does anyone realize Ethiopia has no Journalist left who believes in humanity, justice and democracy and who could freely critic the puppet Weyane government? For the PM H/Mariam to have the audacity to say that Ethiopia is not yet ready to have a full fledged Democracy while jailing innocent citizens and starving to death people for not voting for the ruling class is in my opinion utterly irresponsible and wrong. It gets better how convenient for Obama is to kid around on the existence of 80 ethnic groups and chose not to speak about the “boiling ethnic violence ” i.e., the ethnic policy that straggles people and prohibits people from enjoying freedom of movement and freedom of investment within their own country. Though Obama spoke on the youth in Africa that it should be empowered and taken care of, but he conveniently swift through by not mentioning about the gross human rights and genocide violations involving the “non stop Human trafficking”- which directly involves the youth’s destiny in Ethiopia. Obama rather mentioned the “wild life trafficking” over the very known fact that State Department put in place in 2014 that Ethiopia as being a transit country for Human Trafficking. The government legally allows 1500 people to be shipped out of the country while another 60% of the 1500 a day leaves the country informally to places in the Middle East and Libya where the survival rate is almost nil. http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2014/226646.htm<br /><br />Yekulubew Gebreal LeEthiopia Yikumelat . Eneberta<br />Yagere Legoch<br />Best regards,<br />Tsigereda</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/ethiopia-bitter-pill-of-obamas-speech.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-5238843641694524359Fri, 31 Jul 2015 09:06:00 +00002015-07-31T02:06:31.327-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaOpinionSyriaYilma BekeleThe evolution and devolution of Barack Obama<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWsnXBmvSxg/Vbs54BzJIDI/AAAAAAAAMDk/yvu1JnRp6ZY/s1600/Obama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWsnXBmvSxg/Vbs54BzJIDI/AAAAAAAAMDk/yvu1JnRp6ZY/s640/Obama.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br />By <a href="http://ecadforum.com/2015/07/30/the-evolution-and-devolution-of-barack-obama/" target="_blank">Yilma Bekele</a><br /><br />President Obama is not new to oppression. He started his political life as a community worker. As a grassroots organizer, he helped the disadvantaged stand up for their Constitutional Rights so they could enjoy life and liberty as free citizens. His constituents elected him three times to the Illinois Senate, and once to the US Senate, and finally to the Presidency.<br /><br />His election in 2008 is considered a historical moment in the Republic’s history. His campaign to win the nomination, and his tussle with Senator Clinton was bare fisted, and his demolition of Senator McCain was viewed as just phenomenal.<br /><br />He has done a lot of good to help the disadvantaged in the USA. His signature health care bill (Obama Care) is a great achievement by any standards. He has filled many judicial seats with progressives and minorities; the dividends will ripple for generations to come.<br /><br />Mr. Obama has been said to have evolved on a variety of issues. It could be seen as going with the flow and accepting the inevitable or seen as rethinking one’s core values and beliefs to come to a new and different conclusion. History will judge if the President was acting as a consummate politician and blowing with the wind or if he is genuine in his belief in change.<br /><br />The war in Syria and the group referred to as ISIS is a good example of Mr. Obama’s evolution. He did not think much of President Assad and thought less of the opposition. In an interview with the NY Times he said, ‘This idea that we could provide some light arms or even more sophisticated arms to what was essentially an opposition made up of former doctors, farmers, pharmacists and so forth, and that they were going to be able to battle not only a well-armed state but also a well-armed state backed by Russia, backed by Iran, a battle-hardened Hezbollah, that was never in the cards.”<br /><br />That was August of 2014. Senators Mc Cain, Rubio, Cruz were screaming for war and and ISIS took center stage and in September of 2014 Mr. Obama evolved. He authorized airstrikes in Syria and pledged to train and equip the opposition to Assad.<br /><br />In a 1996 campaign questionnaire when he ran for Illinois State Senate, Mr. Obama supported same sex marriage. In 2008 when he ran for the Presidency, Mr. Obama declared ‘I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman,’ he continued, ‘Now, for me as a Christian—for me—for me as a Christian, it is also a sacred union. God’s in the mix.’<br /><br />By October of 2012, Mr. Obama evolved on the same sex marriage issue by saying, ‘Ultimately, I think the Equal Protection Clause does guarantee same-sex marriage in all 50 states.’ His opponent Governor Romney, who used to boast of his ‘better than Kennedy’ stand on matter of gay rights devolved into a staunch conservative while Mr. Obama saw the writing on the wall and moved further to the left.<br /><br />How do we see Mr. Obama’s current love affair with dictators and Human Rights abusers in Africa? Did he evolve or devolve is the questions Africans are asking. Mr. Obama in 2008 came with the message of ‘Hope’ and the whole world was electrified with his victory. Africans were particularly elated by the news. One of our own has become boss of the whole planet.<br /><br />The young President rode the wave like the professional he is. His speech in Cairo was watched by all third world people that look to the US to take the lead in matters of Global Peace and Prosperity. He did everything to make us believe good days were ahead. The following four excerpts are taken from his speech in June of 2009 in Cairo, and the one on July of 2009 in Accra, Ghana.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em;">But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere. Cairo speech June 4th 2009<br /><br />No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy. Cairo speech June 4th 2009.<br /><br />In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success – strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in peoples’ lives. Accra, Ghana speech July 11, 2009<br /><br />As we provide this support, I have directed my Administration to give greater attention to corruption in our Human Rights report. People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying a bribe. We have a responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who don’t, and that is exactly what America will do. Accra Ghana Accra, Ghana speech July 11, 2009</div><br /><br />President Obama was back in Africa just last week. He visited Kenya, the home of his father and made a stop in Ethiopia to speak at the Headquarters of the African Union in Addis Abeba. I am afraid the old and tired Obama has devolved on us. That youthful exuberance is replaced by cynicism and indifference. He came to lecture Africans. He wanted us to march on his parade. It was all about him. He reversed that famous Kennedy quote right side down. He asked African leaders, ‘What can you do for me not what can I do for your people?’<br /><br />Africans expected that their powerful, rich son coming home with his own private plane and escorted by Fighter jets, helicopters and drones would level the playing field so we all can play and compete to win. That is what Roosevelt did for Europe after the devastating war. He loaned them money, he made sure that Democracy and Human Rights were respected and he laid the foundation for what Europe is today. We expected the same treatment for our abused continent.<br /><br />I am afraid that Mr. Obama was a disappointment to his East African cousins. He referred to the Ethiopian fascist regime as a democratically elected equal. That is not fair to the many Ethiopians who were killed by the Government goons in every part of the country, who were jailed for speaking out, who have lost their job and family belongings because they dared to stand up and challenge the TPLF regime currently masquerading as EPDRF. It is not that Mr. Obama is not aware that the TPLF regime sabotaged and banned Andenet, manufactured chaos inside AEUP, deleted Semayawi Party candidates and used its monopoly of the media to scorn and demean the opposition.<br /><br />President Obama is aware of all that and more. He is just like his predecessors that used to change regimes in Latin America on a whim. The President is flirting with today’s dictators that have learnt the lesson of appearing Democratic and acting like a thug. Latin America today is growing out of the pains inflicted by the CIA and is wary of its giant neighbor to the north. The policy of propping Generals and dictators did not bring peace or prosperity. It only resulted in mistrust. It would take a while to start a new era of equal relationship.<br /><br />Susan Rice Obama’s National Security Advisor could not hide her feelings about TPLF winning 100% election joke the regime played on Ethiopians. I am sure she told Mr. Obama. His Department of State yearly report on Ethiopia reads like a horror story and that is the sanitized version. The real story the Embassy reports through secure channels that was released by Wiki leaks is testimony to man’s inhumanity to man. Just because the fascist regime is willing to send its soldiers to further a proven not to succeed policy President Obama turned his face around and pretended not to see. On behalf of all those that were murdered by TPLF, on behalf of thousands in prison such as Eskinder, Andualem, Temesgen, Wubshet, Andargachew, Bekele, Abubeker and others we peace loving Ethiopians with our friends all over the world are not happy with your policy of appeasing dictators. In your own words ‘you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig’<br /><br />The bottom line is that no one knows our condition better than ourselves. Right now it is fair to say that most Ethiopians have concluded that there is something majorly wrong in our country when all the power is concentrated in one little clique. The Ethiopian people are attempting in many ways to regain their authority over their country. There are many ways to fight injustice. Mr. Obama’s America was founded by the colony’s refusing to acknowledge the sovereignty of the British Monarch on the land they had built by their own blood and toil. They went to war to protect their right to ‘Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ That is what the Ethiopian people are compelled to do. It is natural and no amount of force would stop man’s quest to be free.<br /><br />Professor Cornel West in one of his interviews referred to Mr. Obama the ‘Black face of the American Empire.’ The current visit to Africa seems to have confirmed his thesis. Anyone that goes to Africa and raises Gay Right issues as Mr. Obama did during his press conference with the Kenyan PM makes you wonder about the kind of data he gets from his expert and impartial Advisors. I was forced to think was he playing to the US audience or did he really think that most Africans have evolved with him on this issue and go to bed hungry thinking about same sex marriage. I do not mean to belittle the Human Right aspect of the question but in today’s Africa finding food and shelter ranks very high.<br /><br />Mr. Obama has another year and half to go. Anything is possible, and the chances of further evolvement and show of empathy for those under dictatorship is always possible. We won’t hold our collective breath for such eventuality because we have decided to do the job ourselves. When Mr. Obama understands our predicament we are certain he would do what our freedom fighters are doing currently in Northern Ethiopia and soon to spread all over Ethiopia.<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>http://ecadforum.com/ethiopianvideo/2015/07/27/susan-rice-laughed-at-ethiopias-regime-election-win/</li><li>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/09/opinion/president-obama-thomas-l-friedman-iraq-and-world-affairs.html</li><li>http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/06/09/world/middleeast/obama-isis-strategy.html?_r=0</li><li>http://time.com/3704760/barack-obama-gay-marriage-david-axelrod/</li></ul><br /></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/the-evolution-and-devolution-of-barack.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-3645276589614443350Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:45:00 +00002015-07-31T08:51:53.026-07:00DefectedEritreaESATEthiopiaNews40 Ethiopian Air Force Pilots & Technicians Defect to Eritrea <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BupB8kohcO8/VTLtT-xz_LI/AAAAAAAAJLo/A17lxN2Wf6I/s1600/no%2Bimage.jpg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BupB8kohcO8/VTLtT-xz_LI/AAAAAAAAJLo/A17lxN2Wf6I/s1600/no%2Bimage.jpg" /></div><br />In a radio news broadcast today, the Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT) reported 40 Ethiopian Air Force pilots and technicians defected to Eritrea for the month of July.<br /><br />The Amsterdam-based news agency added the pilots joined the Ethiopian opposition in Eritrea.<br /><br />Listen to the broadcast <a href="http://ethsat.com/?p=33859" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/40-ethiopian-air-force-pilots-defect-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-323032057338093150Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:32:00 +00002015-07-30T22:32:48.043-07:00CNNNewstedros adhanomVideo(Video) Ethiopia’s FM Tedros Adhanom Interview with CNN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.youtube.com/vi/bwOo52Pb7PU/0.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/bwOo52Pb7PU/0.jpg" /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bwOo52Pb7PU" width="100%"></iframe>&nbsp; <br /><br />US President Barack Obama has ended his visit to Africa, specifically Kenya and Ethiopia. Following the President’s visit and his meeting at the African Uniona, Ethiopia is getting a lot of attention from the international media. Christiane Amanpour, CNN journalist and television host, interview Dr. Tedros Adhanom – the foreign Minister of Ethiopia – regarding President Obama’s visit and the current economic and political situation if the country. In this interview, Dr. Tedros Adhanom talks about:-<br /><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The visit of President Barack Obama, the first sitting US president to visit Ethiopia and to talk at the African Union</li><li>The civil society, more freedom to the people, journalists and other activists – specifically about democracy and human rights</li><li>The role of democracy in such diverse country as Ethiopia and how this democracy can be built</li><li>The May 2015 National and Regional Election and what Ethiopian opposition parties look like</li><li>About the jailed (as well as released) journalists and rule of law of the country</li><li>Ethiopia’s government towards Ethiopian journalists</li></ul></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/video-ethiopias-fm-tedros-adhanom.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-8881213864613647732Fri, 31 Jul 2015 02:51:00 +00002015-07-30T19:51:18.017-07:00EthiopiaIAAFKenyaNewsKenyan Stars Declare War on Ethiopian Foes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEMHUVcOf-Q/VbriGT_KZHI/AAAAAAAAMDU/bwcbVGcvBmQ/s1600/Kenyan-Athletes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEMHUVcOf-Q/VbriGT_KZHI/AAAAAAAAMDU/bwcbVGcvBmQ/s640/Kenyan-Athletes.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />By <a href="http://cajnewsafrica.com/2015/07/30/kenyan-stars-declare-war-on-ethiopian-foes/" target="_blank">Maria Macharia</a> |<br /><br />Nairobi (CAJ News) – Kenyan athletes are confident of dominating the upcoming International Association of Athletics Federations‎ (IAAF) World Championships at the expense of their Ethiopian rivals.<br /><br />Ahead of the event planned for Beijing, China on August 22-30, the athletes have also challenged world champion, Mo Farah.<br /><br />Ethiopia’s Farah is currently rated as both middle and long distance athlete with the best run in the world and is thus expected to give Kenyans hard time in the main<br />10 000m race.<br /><br />However, Kenya’s World Cross and World Half Marathon champion, Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor, has openly declared that the Kenyan team for the 10 000m marathon race were aiming to outpace Ethiopians.<br /><br />Kamworor singled out Farah as a real threat. Kamworor will lead the Kenyan squad comprising Charles Kamathi, Bedan Karoki and Paul Tanui for the Beijing IAAF’s bilstering 10,000m race saying all the four Kenyans had won top global accolades.<br /><br />While Kamworor was worried about Farah, Ethiopia has a strong team prepared to collect major accolades in almost all middle and long distance races scheduled for Beijing.<br /><br />“I think with the support of Karoki and Tanui, we can terribly beat Farah. If we all make the team, then we can see how we can help each other in ensuring we bring the title home,” Kamworor said.<br /><br />“Winning the title will be a glorious moment to the nation at large and the athletics fraternity.”<br /><br />Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s iconic girl, Genzebe Dibaba, is in brilliant form while her compatriots- Mohammed Aman and teenager Yomif Kejelcha-are also on fire to give<br />Kenyans and other rivals a torrid time in Beijing.<br /><br />Dibaba, who appears unstoppable in both middle and long distance races.<br /><br />Of late, she has been breaking world records.<br /><br />Perennial favourites Kenya and Ethiopia have one of the fiercest rivalries in world sport.<br /><br /><br /></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/kenyan-stars-declare-war-on-ethiopian.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-1877817774701967236Fri, 31 Jul 2015 02:45:00 +00002015-07-30T19:45:12.055-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaHuman Rights In EthiopiaNewsObama’s Trip To Africa Fails To Secure Human Rights Commitments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I368owZYfiU/VbrgivyFoPI/AAAAAAAAMDI/2VklQeRUuks/s1600/Obama-and-Hailemariam-Desalegn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I368owZYfiU/VbrgivyFoPI/AAAAAAAAMDI/2VklQeRUuks/s640/Obama-and-Hailemariam-Desalegn.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />By &nbsp;<a href="http://saharareporters.com/2015/07/29/obama%E2%80%99s-trip-africa-fails-secure-human-rights-commitments" target="_blank">Sahara Reporters</a><br /><br />On Tuesday, United States President Barack Obama concluded his visit to Kenya and Ethiopia. Besides holding meetings with leaders in the African Union, the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Mr. Obama also heralded Africa as nation filled with people with “dignity.”<br /><br />Despite these meetings, Mr. Obama left Africa without securing any human rights commitment from Ethiopia. In addition, the critiques of various human rights groups who claim Obama’s visit legitimizes the oppressive governments confirm that these past five days in Africa were a trivial international exercise.<br /><br />In June, a report released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) put Ethiopia near the top of a list of countries that violate the freedom of journalists. Since May of 2014, the Ethiopian government has forced 34 journalists to leave the country in exile. After Eritrea, Ethiopia continues to be the African country that imprisons the most journalists.<br /><br />Jeff Smith of the John F. Kennedy Human Rights Center spoke to SaharaReporters and said, “The Ethiopia trip doesn’t fair well for strengthening democratic institutions.”<br /><br />Though Obama lauded the democracy in Ethiopia, the ignored the egregious flaws in the country. Before and even after Ethiopia’s Anti-Terror Proclamation of 2009 criminalized dissent, “Human rights are being absolutely decimated in Ethiopia.”<br /><br />A recent U.S. State Department annual report assessed Ethiopia’s human rights records: “The most significant human rights problems included restrictions on freedom of expression, restrictions on print media and on the Internet, and restrictions on freedom of association, including through arrests; politically motivated trials; and harassment and intimidation of opposition members and journalists.”<br /><br />According to Mr. Smith, “Obama’s fiscal year 2016 budget request has less than 1%” for democratic initiatives abroad; “a better signal would have been to travel to Nigeria.” This statement elucidated the fact that there are no follow up commitments concerning human rights in Ethiopia.<br /><br />These flaws do not just pertain to Ethiopia, Mr. Smith added. Even in Kenya there has been a “deregistration of non-governmental organizations” and “Muslim human rights groups have been targeted.”</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/obamas-trip-to-africa-fails-to-secure.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-6529278258273650773Thu, 30 Jul 2015 18:00:00 +00002015-07-30T11:00:15.869-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaNewsTPLFYilikal GetnetEthiopia’s top opposition figure turns down invitation to Obama State Dinner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-up2fv-PN-vw/VbplMr2iKuI/AAAAAAAAMCw/oUwGhyvUT_Y/s1600/Yilkal_Getnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-up2fv-PN-vw/VbplMr2iKuI/AAAAAAAAMCw/oUwGhyvUT_Y/s640/Yilkal_Getnet.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Yilikal Getnet, chairman of the Blue Party</span></div><br />By <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/07/27/white-house-notebook-lions-on-the-white-house-lawn-or-not" target="_blank">AP</a><br /><br />Invitations to a state dinner are typically among the most coveted of all invites.<br /><br />Not this time, at least not for a leading opposition figure in Ethiopia.<br /><br />Yilikal Getnet, chairman of the Blue Party, turned down an invitation to attend the state dinner with Obama, saying it would amount to taking part in a 'luxurious dinner while millions suffer in Ethiopia."<br /><br />Yilikal told the local paper Negere Ethiopia that he also made the decision "after watching President Obama saying that the ruling party in Ethiopia is elected democratically."<br /><br />The country's ruling coalition won a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections in May that Western nations criticized as unfair.</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/ethiopias-top-opposition-figure-turns.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-6969427355127742881Thu, 30 Jul 2015 12:28:00 +00002015-07-30T05:28:02.819-07:00EritreaEthiopiaOpinionTPLFTPLF Selling Fear, Doubt, Cheap Propaganda and Ethiopia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZPjhuAzNx8/VZ11gbECSvI/AAAAAAAALls/D-L_q-GUHNE/s1600/Prime%2BMinister%2Bof%2BEthiopia%2BHailemariam%2BDesalegn%2Bgives%2Ba%2Bjoint%2Bpress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZPjhuAzNx8/VZ11gbECSvI/AAAAAAAALls/D-L_q-GUHNE/s640/Prime%2BMinister%2Bof%2BEthiopia%2BHailemariam%2BDesalegn%2Bgives%2Ba%2Bjoint%2Bpress.png" width="100%" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hailemariam Desalegn</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TPLF Selling Fear, Doubt, Cheap Propaganda and Ethiopia</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.madote.com/2015/07/tplf-selling-fear-doubt-cheap.html" target="_blank">Amanuel Biedemariam</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For over 16 years the TPLF played negative roles in perpetuating the acrimonious relations that existed between the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia by spewing false propaganda. The TPLF believes good relations between Ethiopians and Eritrea will hasten its demise. For that reason it has done everything possible to keep them separated, at odds and, injected hostility consistently. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ESAT’s visit to Eritrea and the subsequent interview with President Isaias Afewerki by Amsterdam and Washington based Ethiopian Satellite TV journalists Fasil Yenealem and Messay Mekonen was a game changer. The reports moved public opinion away from hostility and in favor of working with Eritrea. The testimonial-reporting and the interview with President Isaias are changing minds, the relationship-dynamics, and long held perceptions between Eritreans and Ethiopians fundamentally.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">President Isaias explained Eritrea’s position clearly. He stated that ethnically based constitution is a recipe for the fragmentation of Ethiopia. He explained that a strong and united Ethiopia is an asset not a threat to Eritrea.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upon their return, to brief Ethiopians, on March 9, 2015, ESAT held special Journalists Post Eritrea Journey Discussion with the Public in Arlington Virginia. For the first time, many Eritreans participated-openly.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What stood-out was the civility with which the discussion was conducted-signaling the willingness and ability of Eritreans and Ethiopians to work together in order to eliminate the TPLF and establish cooperative understandings for the future of both countries.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time, patience and willingness-of dedicated Eritreans and Ethiopians have led to the currents state of Eri-Ethio relations.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These developments have shaken the TPLF to the core. Hence, and to counter, consistent all-out media blitz to sell doubt and fear is underway.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Selling Doubt</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a minority, the apartheid regime in Ethiopia has decided that it cannot survive in a peaceful democratic arrangement that is at peace with neighbors. The TPLF concluded that its very survival depends on PR, propaganda, selling-fear and doubt. Lies, deceit, misinformation, fabrication, exaggeration and falsification are their standard mode of operation. These lies are designed to keep Ethiopia divided based on ethnicity, region, and religion and in a constant state of fear. It is also designed to keep Eritreans and Ethiopia at odds with each other. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, the strategy is no longer effective because Ethiopians have given-up on the TPLF and they are rejecting everything TPLF. In fact, Ethiopians are winning the PR battles against the TPLF. ESAT is now the preferred information source for millions of Ethiopians worldwide. And instead of hate Ethiopians have chosen to work with Eritrea.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a result the TPLF is currently engaged in a strategy of trying to PLANT DOUBT in the minds of Ethiopians about the interview with President Isaias, working with Eritrea and ESAT. This is done surgically using lackeys that roam on TPLF websites. They are on Paltalk and radio stations spewing falsities designed to implant doubt on people’s minds. Just like in the courtroom, the idea is to create reasonable doubt and make people think twice about supporting ESAT or the notion of working with Eritrea.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lies are that ESAT is Eritrea’s Amhara program. Isaias is the enemy of the people of Ethiopia; Eritrea does not want the opposition to succeed; Eritrea kills and imprisons members of the opposition based in Eritrea and, there is no opposition to challenge the TPLF etc... The latest craze is their attempts to undermine on Dr. Berhanu Nega’s trip to Eritrea.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The TPLF is using its lackeys (ER and the like) and unapologetically-Tigrayan websites (Aiga and Tigraionline that push TPLF-agenda), to disseminate false news and misleading information about matters that concern Ethiopia and Eritrea. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-e5ef5754-ce3f-f4f1-7750-3414d7f96bca" style="font-weight: normal;"></b> <br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The TPLF is trying to use Eritrea in many ways. In the latest episode the agenda is to use &nbsp;&nbsp;the recent moves by Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 (AGUDM) to vilify Eritrea in the eyes of the international community and to justify military, or other campaigns and, warn Ethiopians against working with Eritrea. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, the TPLF is no position to attack Eritrea even if it desperately wants to because it has no support from within or out to wage any military campaign against Eritrea. In response to the reckless statements by PM Hailemariam Desalegn, during a recent panel discussion, Professor Terrence Lyon said,&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The recent really quiet astonishing bellicose statements made by PM Hailemariam Desalegn against Eritrea are really the ground work for what could be an escalation of that conflict (the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict). And that it would be very useful for the United States and President Obama to say directly to the highest levels of officials in Ethiopia that the U.S. won’t be on&nbsp;board&nbsp;with them on that. Crossing the border into Eritrea would be a catastrophe and shouldn’t do it to make sure there is no ambiguity on that point.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some consider Hailemariam’s rant a cry for help because of the increased resistance against the regime. During a recent interview with ESAT, Dr.Berhanu Nega said,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“If the TPLF is to attack Eritrea now, their aim is Ethiopian opposition not Eritrea.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The TPLF also knows attacking Eritrea will expedite its demise. Hence, these claims are stunts designed to distract the gullible. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Conclusion</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ethiopia is at a critical transitional stage. Ethiopians are aware that the current state of affairs is not sustainable and that it represents danger not only for the future of Ethiopia but also for the entire region. Ethiopians are eager for transition but they are certain that the TPLF will not leave power peacefully. And the recent election is a reminder that the status-quo will persist as long as the TPLF has power. This makes Ethiopia vulnerable into becoming unstable country like Somalia, Yemen, or Libya. The problem, as witnessed in Libya and others, if unrest starts in Ethiopia it will be irreversible.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are the realities driving Ethiopians to look for solutions and alternative routes. ESAT’s visit, Dr. Berhanu Nega’s trip to Eritrea and the increase of rebellion activities represent these realities. Ethiopians have concluded change in Ethiopia can only come when they can present a credible threat of force to back their peaceful quest. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The TPLF understands these facts and the only way it can combat it on the media, by propaganda, with lies and with disinformation/misinformation campaigns. It can only combat it with threats, intimidation and trickery by spending millions in subversive activities such as hacking. &nbsp;As this is its last hurrah; it has employed all tools available.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, time is not on TPLF’s side. The TPLF is increasingly being forced to react to developments rather than shaping it. Every day Ethiopians are shaping the agendas, and stealing attention. Recent moves of Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 (AGUDM) and others are reflection of these realities. The trajectory for the minority clique is on a downward spiral while the struggle to eject the minority mafia clique is gaining momentum. </span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"></b> <br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Change is inevitable in Ethiopia, and no matter what the TPLF or its handlers do they cannot stop the inevitable. There is also one reality that no one can change and that is Eritrea will always welcome Ethiopians and no propaganda can change that. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="mailto:Awetnayu@hotmail.com">Awetnayu@hotmail.com</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/tplf-selling-fear-doubt-cheap.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-1036491072971982549Thu, 30 Jul 2015 12:18:00 +00002015-07-30T05:18:46.852-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaHuman Rights In EthiopiaNewsObama Disgusts Human Rights Advocates by Calling Ethiopian Government 'Democratically Elected'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibMrdfgjk4E/VboVzh4ywxI/AAAAAAAAMCA/Y1KFq7o2i2E/s1600/obama-in-ethiopia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibMrdfgjk4E/VboVzh4ywxI/AAAAAAAAMCA/Y1KFq7o2i2E/s640/obama-in-ethiopia2.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />By <a href="http://www.allgov.com/news/top-stories/obama-disgusts-human-rights-advocates-by-calling-ethiopian-government-democratically-elected-150729?news=857075" target="_blank">AllGov</a><br /><br />President Barack Obama turned more than a few heads in the human rights community on Monday when he called the government of Ethiopia “democratically elected” during his visit to Africa’s second largest country.<br /><br />Not a single opposition party member currently holds a seat in Ethiopia’s parliament, and human rights groups denounced the elections in May as a sham. Prior to those elections, the government made it difficult for opposition candidates to register, raise money and mobilize supporters, according to The New York Times.<br /><br />“Peaceful protesters were denied permits, harassed and in some cases arrested. News organizations were shut down and reporters harassed, threatened or arrested,” the Times’ Peter Baker and Jacey Fortin reported. Additionally, Obama’s own State Department reported that U.S. diplomats were prevented from observing the elections, saying it was “troubled” that opposition party observers were kept out of some locations.<br /><br />And Obama’s national security advisor, Susan E. Rice, told reporters only last week that the result of the election was not credible. “The prime minister of Ethiopia was just elected with 100 percent of the vote, which I think suggests, as we have stated in our public statements, some concern for the integrity of the electoral process,” she said.<br /><br />Human rights advocates were surprised, to say the least, by Obama’s assessment of the government in Addis Ababa. “The recent election in Ethiopia was anything but a democratic one,” Sarah Margon, the Washington director of Human Rights Watch, told the Times. “There may not have been widespread violence or blatant ballot box stuffing on election day,” Margon said, but “the systematic repression of basic rights” made it “extremely unlikely that Ethiopians would feel safe enough to express themselves, particularly if that expression included criticism of the government.”<br /><br />Obama, who is the first sitting American president to visit Ethiopia, said at a joint news conference with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn: “We are very mindful of Ethiopia’s history, the hardships that this country has gone through.”<br /><br />“It has been relatively recently in which the Constitution that was formed, and elections put forward a democratically elected government.” Obama added that “there is still more work to do, and I think the prime minister is the first to acknowledge that there is more work to do.”<br /><br />-Noel Brinkerhoff</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/obama-disgusts-human-rights-advocates.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-2133334643838207554Thu, 30 Jul 2015 08:41:00 +00002015-07-30T01:42:12.194-07:00AfricaEconomyEthiopiaFekadu BekeleOpinionIs Africa really rising?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZPUVZ6pcfA/Vbnh8H5N6HI/AAAAAAAAMBw/4w4fKG7n2FQ/s1600/africa-rising-time-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZPUVZ6pcfA/Vbnh8H5N6HI/AAAAAAAAMBw/4w4fKG7n2FQ/s640/africa-rising-time-1.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />By <a href="http://www.zehabesha.com/is-africa-really-rising-fekadu-bekele-ph-d/" target="_blank">Fekadu Bekele, &nbsp;PhD</a><br /><br /><b>Introduction</b><br /><br />Barack Obama praised Africa’s economic performance in his speech on the 2015 Global entrepreneurship summit which was held in Nairobi from July 25-26, 2015. He stressed that Africa is “on the move and the continent is one of the fastest growing region in the world.” &nbsp;Further, he emphasized that &nbsp;“the &nbsp;people are being lifted out of poverty, and income is growing.” In his words, “the middle class is growing and young people are harnessing technology to change the way Africa is doing business.” &nbsp;In his view such a growing economy “creates incredible possibility for Africa and the world in general.”<br /><br />The &nbsp;“Africa Rising” &nbsp;narrative has been circulating for more than a decade. &nbsp;The Economist, Time Magazine, and some international consulting firms time and again try to convince the world that the African economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In their analysis, high GDP growth rates, growing mobile markets, expanding internet shops, the construction of new buildings which are mainly planned for hotels and offices, the flowing of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which focuses mainly on extraction of mineral resources and plantation economy like flower, Pineapple and coffee plantation, growing middle class are signs of a growing economy which prove that the continent is on the right track. &nbsp;However, others vehemently reject such a narrative and prove that high GDP growth rates and the flowing of FDI could not be translated into the improvement of the human life. Things on the ground have not that much changed. They convincingly argue that many African countries are still lagging behind in many ways compared to the East Asian Tigers which have solid economic foundations based on manufacturing activities. Therefore the Africa Rising narrative is a deliberate propaganda to divert the attitudes of the political elite and the masses away from real economic development which can create social and national wealth and expands in many directions. Real or genuine economic development must therefore fulfill a set of criteria which many African countries do lack. Before I analyze the set of criteria which are necessary for real economic development to take place we should look at why high GDP growth rates in many African countries and rising poverty and slum buildings are two sides of the same coin.<br /><br /><b>Some &nbsp;facts</b><br /><br />Many African countries still rely on only one or two export commodities for their income. Most of the commodities which African countries are exporting are not being processed and &nbsp;produced as finished products. &nbsp;As a matter of fact the value-added chain of most of the commodities is being cut, and many African countries cannot create national wealth. Hence the price of the exporting commodities are fluctuating from time to time with adverse effects on the income of governments which most African governments rely to finance their budgets. &nbsp;A World Bank Report on global economic prospects which was published in January 2015 shows that most sub-Saharan African countries have experienced continuous current balance deficits as a percentage of GDP. This proves that the high GDP growth rates that most African countries have experienced could not help them to transform their economies so that they become less dependent on raw material exports.<br /><br />The new World Bank Report asserted that economic development has improved the lives of a billion of people and lifted them from extreme poverty in many countries across the globe, while this is not the case in most sub-Saharan African countries. Accordingly, the number of people which earn less than $ 1.25 a day has increased in most sub-Saharan African countries while in other countries the number of people which earn $1.25 a day has been reduced. &nbsp;Especially, youth unemployment is very high in many African countries. Extreme poverty and the expansion of slum areas in the capital cities, like Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Johannesburg, and other big cities like Lagos have inevitably produced high criminality rates. In fact many citizens remain without jobs &nbsp;and therefore have to beg, which is a widespread phenomenon in Addis Ababa for instance. &nbsp;According to the World Bank report, Africa is the only continent which could not meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) as set by the United Nations 15 years ago. These and other hard facts prove once again that the supposed economic growth could not spill over to reduce the growing poverty rate. The growth rates mainly rely on the service and export sector. Economies that rely on such sub-sectors cannot create true national and social wealth, and as long as true national wealth cannot be created the reduction of poverty is impossible.<br /><br />If one looks at the general performance of the economy, the service sector has profited enormously from globalization and free trade, while the manufacturing sector which is usually the backbone of any growing economy, could not grow at the same rate as the service sector. Again the World Bank report of October 2014 confirms that high GDP growth rates that many African countries are experiencing is a result of the growth of agricultural and the service sector. Especially, the service sector has grown proportionally high compared to the manufacturing sector. The expansion of the service sector and investment in this area could not expand the market size. Still the main economic activity concentrates in few big cities, especially in the capital cities. Globalization and free trade have therefore produced in many African countries unequal development and mismanagement of the scarce resources. The few wealthy people who are being engaged in the service sector are not investing their money on wealth creating sector, but repeatedly invest on the service sector and import luxury goods which consume the meagre hard currencies. The development of a middle class that is seen as one of the success stories of the economy is not as such innovative and wealth creating, it rather becomes a market for products which are produced somewhere. &nbsp;Therefore the Africa Rising narrative does not have a solid foundation, and contradicts the realities on the ground. &nbsp; Because of lack of opportunities at home, especially thousands of young Africans are fleeing &nbsp;from their home countries in order to find job opportunities in Western Europe and other places where they can find better living conditions. As we can see in mainstream media, &nbsp;they have to pay &nbsp;high &nbsp;prices. Most of them die without reaching into their destinations.<br /><br />The flowing of FDI into Africa is one of the economic indicators which is seen as a sign of Africa’s Rising narrative. According to the study conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2013 alone $57 billion of FDI has flown into Africa, which is a rise of 4% compared to the previous year. However, other studies of the UNCTAD show that 50-70% of the FDI goes to the extraction and plantation sector. &nbsp;As we know the extraction companies export the resources without processing them. This proves that the extraction companies that control much of the African wealth do not contribute for the development of the internal market. Since the resources are being simply exported, the creation of wealth and income for the continent are not within the calculation of the companies. The workers that are employed in this sector do not earn enough money to secure their livelihood and that of their families. Many of them are being handled as quasi slaves without having any right to protest and improve their lives. The extracting companies are not only responsible for the low level of the living standards of the working people, but they also inflict heavy damages on the environment. Since many African countries do not have social and ecological standards, extracting companies do whatever they want and harm the entire social fabric of the community where they are engaged. Reports from certain African countries like Tanzania and French speaking African countries where uranium is being extracted, radioactive elements are poisoning the water and the entire environment. Most of the areas are not habitable anymore. From this point of view FDI is not contributing to Africa’s economic development, it rather benefits Western capitalist countries where the companies have their main seat.<br /><br /><b>A Set of Criteria for genuine Economic Development</b><br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em;">1. <b>Industrialization</b> – Historically seen a growing economy is associated with growing and expanding industrialization across a given country. The basis for real industrialization is steel and iron, which are again the foundation of machine industry. When industrialization which is based on a machine industry is growing rapidly, it can create jobs for the millions of people who seek employment. As the economy expands in every direction, the size of the market grows due to the linkage effects of this growing sector. Hence other sectors, like the agricultural and the service sector will inevitably depend on this sector. This inevitably increases the accumulation effect of the economy and hence rapid income growth will become the rule of such a system of economic process which is mainly dependent on vast industrialization and expanded division of labor.</div><br /><br />Unfortunately, this is not the case in many sub-Saharan African countries, in countries which are repeatedly reported to have seen high GDP growth rates over the last five or six years. Most of the African economies do not have a real foundation and hence they cannot expand into different directions to create job and income opportunities for the people who are eagerly seeking job opportunities. As long as there is no industrialization that can spread into different directions the market size of a given country will remain very small. Many African economies still rely on the so-called import substitution industrialization, and this sector could not absorb the work force that come from the rural areas. The conditions in many African capital cities prove that as a result of such kind of not-well studied industrialization policy of the last 40-50 years, many scattered economic actives have sprung up whose accumulation base are very narrow and chaotic. Globalization and free trade have worsened this situation, and many capital cities become dumping grounds of second hand products.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em;">2. <b>Manufacturing</b> – Consciously or unconsciously most studies and reports which insist that Africa is on the rise never mention the relevance of a manufacturing sector for a growing economy. Starting the 18th century onwards prominent economists of that time, especially in England stressed that without a manufacturing sector there cannot be real economic development. In Germany, and later on in the United States of America and Japan the power of a manufacturing sector in creating national wealth is well-understood. Hence, latecomers like Germany, America and Japan have vehemently rejected the idea of a free trade doctrine and concentrated on the manufacturing sector. The leaders and intellectuals of these countries were convinced that for the development of an integrated internal market a growing manufacturing sector is crucial. They were convinced that productivity and income growth and hence a strong national economy without a manufacturing sector is inconceivable. Therefore national cohesion is only possible when a given country systematically develops an expanded division of labor that is based on a manufacturing sector. &nbsp;According to the belief of some prominent philosophers and economists from Germany, countries that neglect this crucial sector sooner or later will have difficulties in maintaining a social order, and their countries and the people will never be respected.</div><br /><br />The Africa Rising narrative does not take into account the importance of a manufacturing sector for economic growth and economic development. As studies show most African economies do not have a well-developed machine producing sector which is very important for the expansion of a manufacturing sector. Various departments of a given economy can only grow and expand with the existence a machine producing sector. In the absence of such a sector and very limited manufacturing activities, the power of money and its transformation into capital will &nbsp;be very limited. Therefore the Africa Rising narrative does not have any scientific foundation. When some consulting companies and economists repeatedly speak that the African economy is growing, the political elite and the youth in Africa take this as scientific truism and associate themselves with such misguided information. They will never try to find out the intriguing propaganda behind such a narrative. &nbsp;Consulting firms and economic experts only want to make business and earn huge amount of profit and not stand for real development that can benefit the African people.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em;">3. <b>Science and Technology</b> – It is well known that without constant efforts and researches in science and technology there cannot be any new findings. Researches in science and technology are the basis of innovation. Only with new innovation one can produce instruments of productions which raise productivity. New innovation in technology saves production costs and resources. With given resources one can get better yields and qualitatively better products. New innovations give way for further innovation that can stimulate growth. In other words cumulative growth is only possible through constant innovation. The advance in manufacturing sector and the production of high quality goods depend on permanent scientific researches and the introduction of new technologies. Without major breakthrough in this field there cannot be any progress in many areas. Only with the advancement of science and technology any country is capable of producing many kinds of instruments, which can be used for the production of other goods. The production of durable and non-durable goods of various types is only possible when governments could allocate enough money for researches. Countries which do not focus on this particular aspect could not have a secured life, and could not create true national wealth, which guarantees a secure livelihood for the people in any given country. If we study the development of capitalism, especially after the Second World War, economic growth and development is directly associated with technological developments and new findings. Technological development can only possible when universities and other similar institutions are well equipped with all sorts of materials and laboratories, including books. When we see the various types of investments in different fields, all investments are directly associated with the introduction of new technology. Therefore in all capitalist societies what matters are not numbers, but qualitative transformations that are associated with science and technology.</div><br /><br />In many African countries the relevance of science and technology is either not well-understood or not known to be a key driver of economic development. Many think that investments in few scattered areas which are not directly linked with the lives of the people and real development are being seen as the basis of economic growth. After almost 50 years of various types of economic policies, many African countries have not yet understood the relevance of science and technology. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and now China that have understood the role of science and technology are advancing in many areas, and have greater market shares on the world market. This is because they have followed the right catch-up strategy from the very beginning. All these countries have never taken the advices of foreign experts as the sources of their development strategy, but they have used their common sense and give continuous efforts to catch-up with the capitalist west. Therefore the Africa Rising narrative without science and technology does not have any substantial foundation. Only through technological breakthrough there can be real economic development and social transformation.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em;">4. <b>Institution</b> – The existence of effective institutions across a given country are signs of a growing economy. Institutions are binding infrastructures of the different social groups in any given country. According to the division of labor of the different institutions in any given country, some institutions can mobilize human and natural resources for economic development and social and cultural activities. Countries that do not have effective and very strong institutions cannot become accountable for their own people. The history of Western capitalist societies proves that, many countries in Western Europe have begun building institutions in their respective countries. Municipalities, different departments which are essential for different services, like water management and other services, schools and vocational facilities of different types, churches and well-structured halls are some of the sites which are being built by the various institutions to bring people together in any given community. In such a way the valorization of money, products and capital will be fastened, and this in turn helps the economy to develop in leaps and bounds. In other words, without effective and well-developed institutions across a given country one cannot talk of economic development.</div><br /><br />The Africa Rising narrative does not raise the relevance of effective and well-organized institutions for resource mobilization and community life. Those experts &nbsp;who repeatedly tell us that Africa is on the rise have taken for granted that African countries do not need strong institutions for economic, social and cultural development. On the other hand it is understandable that multinational companies &nbsp;and those economic experts can manipulate the political elite and steal the wealth of the continent if each African country does not have strong institutions and well-articulated intellectual force that is equipped with various types of knowledge. Therefore we do not have to wonder when those experts do not want to tell us the truth, and simply insist that economic growth can take place without certain fundamental aspects, like institutions and well-organized work force that can defend its right.<br /><br />As we observe and studies show many African countries after 52 years of political independence do not have effective and well-organized institutions. They still do not &nbsp;understand the importance of institutions for resources mobilization. By simply focusing on the bureaucratic machine, they believe that they can effectively administer their societies. As we all know bureaucratic apparatus are more or less repression machines that are organized to suppress the grievances of the masses and to maintain the status quo. State machines in many African countries consciously or &nbsp;unconsciously hinder economic and social development. The state bureaucratic machines in many African countries are simply extensions of the global capitalist system. The security, the military and the police force are equipped with instruments that come from capitalist countries. In countries where political and social consciousness are very low, and in countries where civil society movements are not well-developed and firmly rooted it is easy for such a force to suppress democratic and republican movements. Therefore the bureaucratic machine by simply consuming the resources of many African countries without in turn delivering any tangible services to the people serves the interests of the political elite and foreign forces that are engaged in resource extraction.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em;">5. <b>Space</b> – By space I mean the development and existence of well-organized cities, towns, villages and rural areas. Economic activities can effectively take place, grow ins scope and size when any given country has well-developed cities. Space is not only a place for economic activity, but also for cultural and social activities. Only within well-organized cities people can become creative and innovative. The history of city buildings in many western capitalist countries prove that cities become the basis and foundation of various types of economic activities. Without proper houses, sanitation systems, and other social and cultural infrastructures simple economic growth does not have any meaning.</div><br /><br />The expansion of capitalism and hence globalization in many Third World countries, especially in Africa has totally distorted the relevance and meaning of well-organized space for human life. Because of the low level of social and political consciousness from the side of the political elite millions of people in many African countries are not seen as true human beings who need ordered spaces to live and become creative. Since economic growth is seen dissociated from ordered and well-organized cities, millions of people are compelled to build their spaces without proper planning systems. As a matter of fact such shanty towns become breeding grounds of all sorts of habits and criminalities which disturb the human imagination. The building of big apartments, hotels and villas for the well-to-do class create abnormal situations in many capital cities of African countries. Ordinary Africans are being seen as inferior by those wealthy people who become rich without invention and working very hard.<br /><br />The size of the market in any country depends not only on the manufacturing activities, but also on the size of cities, towns and villages. In turn all these spaces must be interconnected with multiple types of transportation systems which transport goods, resources and human beings from one area to the other. Only in this way the economy of a given country can develop, and further technological innovation become possible. In the absence of well-organized spaces across a given country, the valorization of goods and capital is practically impossible. The Africa Rising narrative neglects the role of living space as organic structure for the development of a given economy. Since economic growth and development do not take place in vacuums or on air, genuine economic development is meaningless without aesthetically designed cities which have greater psychological impacts on the people of a particular country.<br /><br />It is up to the African intellectuals to dismiss such kinds of narratives which do not have scientific foundation. The confusion that neo-liberal oriented economists and other experts spread and preach must be confronted from all sides, and African intellectuals must prove their social and political awareness by vehemently rejecting such a false narrative. We have to understand that the main intension of such kinds of propaganda is to fix into the minds of the Africans to particular things so that they have to accept this as if there is no another avenue of economic development. As we see Africa is a besieged continent, and foreign powers are competing to control the resources of the continent. In the name of fighting terrorism western governments and their companies create in strategic areas unstable situations so that they can have access to the resources. &nbsp;In many African countries because of artificial differences and because of low level of political and social consciousness people of a given community and country are drawn into permanent wars. Those forces which think that they are clever and wise than others, for the sake of short term gain are exporting wars into our continent. &nbsp;African governments are becoming indifferent to such kinds of foreign intervention into the affairs of their countries. Some of them like that of the Ethiopian government has changed itself to a vassal state and engaged into war in Somalia and elsewhere. &nbsp;In such unstable situation when the people of a given country are being caught in permanent war and fear their cannot be entrepreneurship. The people of a given community and country cannot mobilize themselves and their resources to develop a strong economy that is based on science and technology. Therefore real economic development and a genuine middle class which is innovative can only occur and emerge when the political system is conducive and when social stability is secured. In an atmosphere of social instability, and chaotic conditions a middle class culture is inconceivable.<br /><br /><br /><b>The Alternative</b><br /><br />Innocent people may ask what kind of alternative there is other than the Africa Rising narrative. To the present African predicaments there is one solution. The pure market economy which has been propagated for more than 6 decades cannot bring any tangible solution to the many complicated problems that many African countries are facing. &nbsp;Free trade doctrine and globalization have proved time and again that they can’t be effective methods of solving the African social, economic and cultural crises. Therefore African countries must follow another strategy if they want to become successful and build strong nation-states.<br /><br />The only method to solve African problems is a holistic approach which is based on the Renaissance principle. For this the political elite and the people must change their mindset. Starting from the Greek civilization, to Renaissance, Reformation and then to Enlightenment there have been transformation in mindset of the people and the political order. That time intellectuals were compelled to ask themselves why they were condemned to live like that and governments behaved like that. After they found out the causes of war, diseases and hunger, they had to challenge the system from all sides. Through rigorous scientific research and intellectual activities they finally broke the rigid attitude of the ruling classes and the value system that was responsible for permanent war and mass dislocation. Confronted with such kinds of growing intellectual activities and debates on various issues, they ultimately found &nbsp;one common denominator and idea through which they can solve all the problems step by step. In other words, without a coherent idea and a common agenda there is no forward movement and progress. If African countries want to become successful they have to agree on a common idea. Only in this way they could mobilize all the available resources and build a system which can accommodate the interests of all the people in each country.<br /><br />For this, political reforms, democratizations of the given institutions and creating effective and dynamic institutions are essential aspects that must be taken urgently. Without bold political reforms and without organizations people in any given country could not build a dynamic social and economic system. Political reforms must be undertaken in such a way so that the political elite and the people in each country become socially, politically and culturally aware. The political elite must understand that the resources in each country belong to all the people who are the citizen of each particular country. Therefore the given resources must be exploited so as to develop national wealth which can benefit all the people in each country. Besides this the introduction of a holistic education system is necessary which can rationalize the minds of the people and the political elite and which is suitable for creative and innovative activities. Only in this way African countries could solve their existing problems and build a solid system based on science and technology.<br /><br /><i>Fekadu Bekele is a political analyst, a consultant, a development economist specialized in Renaissance and Cultural Economics. &nbsp;He can be reached at the following address: <a href="mailto:fekadubekele@gmx.de">fekadubekele@gmx.de</a></i></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/is-africa-really-rising.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-4808323900896853660Thu, 30 Jul 2015 06:36:00 +00002015-07-29T23:39:27.799-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaJournalistsNewsVideo(Video) Obama in Ethiopia: 'the US president's visit is a huge disappointment'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Xe55cBcxOnk/0.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Xe55cBcxOnk/0.jpg" /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xe55cBcxOnk" width="100%"></iframe> Obama in Ethiopia: "the US president's visit is a huge disappointment"</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/video-obama-in-ethiopia-us-presidents.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-1950497035635210900Thu, 30 Jul 2015 06:02:00 +00002015-07-29T23:02:17.327-07:00EritreaEthiopiaGinbot7OpinionTPLFDisingenuous Behavior Has Nothing To Do With Advancing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXiILasdep0/Vaw-rx9eFfI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/DeL16iwVIHM/s1600/ginbot%2B7%2Beritrea%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXiILasdep0/Vaw-rx9eFfI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/DeL16iwVIHM/s640/ginbot%2B7%2Beritrea%2B2.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Disingenuous Behavior Has Nothing To Do With Advancing</b><br /><br /><br />A JUST CAUSE!<br /><br />By <a href="http://ecadforum.com/2015/07/26/disingenuous-behavior-has-nothing-to-do-with-advancing/" target="_blank">T.Goshu</a><br /><br />1. Although the very focus of this comment of mine is on the recent non- substantiated, cynically rhetoric and disingenuous behavior of some fellow individuals and groupings towards the recent heroic steps taken by Arbegnoch Ginbot 7, I do believe that it also reflects how this kind of undesirable part of our political culture requires a real sense of perseverance if we have to make a difference. Those fellow individuals or groupings simply declare that “there should not be any kind of deal with the Eritrean government (Shabia) because it was, and still is, and will remain to be an enemy of Ethiopian national interest.” They do not want to hear why some opposition forces do believe that their relationship with the Eritrean government is not simply based on the principle of ‘there is no permanent enemy or friend in the real world of politics’. To my understanding, they also do believe that as far as the people of the two countries ( Ethiopia and Eritrea) do have a very unique ties in multitude of aspects, it would be necessary to make any effort that should pave the way for the realization of a desired rapprochement.<br /><br />It goes without saying that it is one thing for those individuals or groupings to bring forward their concerns and ideas they believe are important in a critical and rational manner; but it is quite another thing to simply make highly unqualified and declarative rhetoric. Needless to say, this kind of emotion-driven rhetoric does not serve any constructive purpose at all. Politics and society have never been and will never be characterized by static or dormant way of thinking and way of doing things at all. Any entity, be it political or otherwise kills itself if it is not willing and capable enough to adjust itself with the very dynamic world it does belong to. And our own political case we are talking about is not an exception. The political realities of the 1990s and more specifically the beginning of this millennium have their own differences, and there is a compelling reason for us to deal with accordingly. Put simply, it is absolutely desirable for us to engage in a critical, rational, constructive and forward-looking arguments and counter-arguments if we are genuinely serious with the need to bring about a democratic change we desperately aspire.<br /><br />It is from this perspective that I want straight-forwardly be critical of not the concerns and skepticism those individuals and groupings want to express as such. It is rather based on the question of how and why they did choose to do it in a very disingenuous and disruptive manner. I wish this observation of mine could be dead wrong. But I do not think the way they behave towards what they are for or against does show otherwise. The political mentality of undermining and blaming those patriotic Ethiopian opposition political forces (Arbegnoch-Ginbot 7) and a media which is becoming instrumental for advancing the just cause of the people of Ethiopia are fighting for (ESAT) does not serve any other desirable purpose other than contributing to the continuation of the untold sufferings of the people. And the way we have done politics for the last quarter of a century is a very vivid but very unfortunate evidence for the reason why we did fail terribly and repeatedly.<br /><br />The very generalized and back-ward looking premise, “as Shabia (Ato Isaias Afeworki) did terrible wrong doings in the past, it is absolutely wrong to deal with them or with him” may temporarily appeal to emotional state of mind, not critically rational way of thinking at all. Needless to say that the mentality of “I hate what he or she did to me in the past, and it is wrong for me to make any effort towards an appropriate approach or desirable rapprochement” is terribly stupid if we are talking about the need to change things for good. As a matter of fact, blaming the other side (Shabia) for every terrible wrong doing in the political history of our country in general and the case of Eritrea in particular without acknowledging the terrible mistakes made by the ruling elites of Ethiopia (be it the last monarchy, the ruthless military regime, and now an ethno-centric tyranny of TPLF/EPRDF) is terribly absurd, to say the least. Yes, the level of contribution to the political illness we continue to suffer from may vary from one actor to another. Whatever the case might be, we cannot break the very ugly vicious political and socio-economic cycle until we acknowledge the horrible mistakes made by this or that side of political actor and deal with it in an appropriate and forward-looking manner. Agree or disagree, it would be foolish enough for us to simply blame others for what sadly went wrong by pretending that we are immune from doing any painful wrong doings throughout our political history. The moment we try to deceivingly convince ourselves that it is only the other side, not us, that has made all the terrible mistakes and should be responsible; we are not part of the solution but part of the problem. To my observation and understanding, those individuals and groupings who are looking for any disingenuous way of doing things are victims of this kind of irrational and unrealistic mind-set, though an obsession with ulterior personal motives cannot be disregarded.<br /><br />2. Let me once again make myself very straight-forwardly clear that the very objective of this comment of mine is to express my observation and impression about those fellow Ethiopians who allow themselves to suffer from the political mentality of “if I am not allowed to navigate a political or any other apolitical vehicle the direction and the speed I want to, I will let it down.” Let it also be clear that the very target of my comment has nothing to with simply undermining, or disrespecting or attacking those fellow Ethiopians personally. Absolutely not! I sincerely believe that it is wrong to believe that an individual or a group of individuals should be considered as categorically stupid and nonsensical by their very nature. In other words, it is so irrational, if not nonsensical to base my argument on the premise that individuals or groupings naturally or otherwise are insane because they do terribly stupid things in the course of their lives. It goes without saying that this kind of premise and conclusion is highly vulnerable to a) the making of our arguments and counter-arguments on personalities rather than issues which of course make things worse b) the difficulty to make a constructive effort to help those who intentionally or otherwise engage in a mutually damaging campaign c) the difficulty to those who may try to respond and react to the damage being done appropriately; because there is a temptation to go emotional instead of being critically rational d) the likelihood of leaving the people of Ethiopia in a state of confusion and frustration, and e) repeating the mistakes being made by those individuals and groupings instead of correcting them , and f) the possibility of prolonging the sufferings of the people under an ethno-centric tyranny of TPLF/EPRDF, which essentially does mean staying in a very horrible vicious political cycle we have gone through for a quarter of a century. And that is why I would argue that it is absolutely necessary for us to counter-challenge those individuals or groupings who play a very ugly political twist, not expressing the concerns they may have in a genuine and principled way. Yes, those fellow Ethiopians or Ethiopians by origin who have recently launched kind of conspiratorial rhetoric; and are trying to lecture us that they have come up with a “wonderful idea” of letting down the on-going resolute fight to end the ethno-centric ruthless ruling circle. As this kind of deceivingly wrong rhetoric could help the ruling elites who are trying to maintain their power by taking any desperately ruthless means, it should not be allowed to go on without being seriously challenged.<br /><br />Needless to say, unless we want to be dishonest with ourselves, not to challenge and defeat this conspiratorial move by those few fellow Ethiopians, it would be terribly wrong. We have more than enough experiences that although individuals and certain groupings cannot stop the march for freedom and justice, they could do some sort of damage which may prolong the sufferings of the people under the existing political agenda and practice. That is why I strongly believe that we unequivocally and straight-forwardly have to let them know that the way they are behaving and moving is terribly absurd, and they cannot go with it and cause damages to the on-going struggle for freedom. There is a need to tell them straight-forwardly know that it is the right thing for them to express their views and concerns in a rationally critical and genuinely constructive fashion, not in a very crooked and cynical way. They must unequivocally and strongly be reminded that setting an agenda and launching a campaign which essentially emanate from ulterior personal motives is dead wrong especially at this critical moment in time. They must seriously be reminded that the people of Ethiopia cannot afford to tolerate this kind of making a mockery at those truly patriotic Ethiopians who are left with no any other choice other than launching all-inclusive means of struggle if the brutal ruling circle should be defeated and a change we strongly aspire should become a reality. Do not get me wrong that what I am saying is that there is no need to criticize the weaknesses of those freedom fighters. Absolutely not! What I am saying is that there is a need to do it in a genuine and problem-solving manner, not in a disingenuous and problem – mongering mind- set that emanate from an obsession of personal ambitions or interests.<br /><br />It must, on the other side, be underscored that those Ethiopians who might legitimately be outraged by the very disingenuous behavior of those individuals or groupings need to make their counter- challenges in a critical, rational, civilized, constructive, forward-looking and decisive manner. If those fellow individuals or groupings are courageous enough to slow down the very undesirable move they have chosen and show the concern they have in such a way that it could advance the on-going struggle for freedom and justice, it must be taken as a patriotic courage in the real sense of the term. And I want to believe that some of them, if not all would be willing and able to do so. But, it must once again unequivocally be clear that the people of Ethiopia in general and genuinely concerned Ethiopian diasporas in particular are extremely tired of the political mentality of turning things around whenever we feel that our excessive personal egos are challenged. I am saying this because from what I have tried to closely follow this very cynical move, I have to say that it is the reflection of ulterior personal motives that manifested themselves whenever individuals get frustrated with their failures to realize those ulterior personal motives. To be specific, those motives do emanate from the very voracious or excessive personal ambition, excessive desire for self-importance in any societal activities (be it political, social, communication, etc.).<br /><br />Wherever it may come from and whoever hosts it, disingenuous or hypocritical behavior has been, still is, and continues to be one of the main reasons for not to succeed in bringing about the desirable political change the people of Ethiopia desperately aspire. It is self-evidently clear that it is this kind of behavior that significantly helps the tyranny of an ethno-centric politics to perpetuate itself.<br /><br />Needless to say, as it is not realistic to avoid this part of being human, the only thing we can do is deal with it appropriately and control it before it kills not only others but also its hosts themselves. Yes, we have to deal with it wisely but decisively. Yes, those fellow Ethiopians who are involved in an emotional, irrational, and notoriously disruptive campaign against those who are doing their best to the extent of paying ultimate sacrifices (Arbegnoch –Ginbot 7), and a media (ESAT) that is making great efforts to keep the people of Ethiopia well-informed about the objective reality in all aspects of lives should be told to get out of the ugly game they are muddling in. I would strongly argue that the people of Ethiopia cannot afford to ignore this kind of outrageously disingenuous behavior any more. Let it be crystal clear that the patience or tolerance of the people towards the very notorious political disease of not only being unhappy with the successes of others but also working hard to see the efforts being made by others failed is a serious illness that must be treated accordingly.<br /><br />This does not mean that destroying the host together with the disease (disingenuous and cynical state of mind) is either an acceptable or a desirable thing. Absolutely not! It rather does mean that those fellow Ethiopians who intentionally or otherwise have become victims of terribly wrong behavior must be told that they need to get out of people’s way. This is because we are talking about the disease that we have both at a personal and a group level; and if it is not treated timely and appropriately, it keeps making more messes and damages. What we are talking about is a disease that can cause a painful infection to those who firmly stand with unity of purpose at this critical moment of the struggle for freedom and justice. I sincerely believe that there is a desperate need for us both at the level of individual and various groupings to engage those fellow Ethiopians in a rationally constructive conversation and help them get out of the terrible way of doing things they found them themselves in.<br /><br />Well, I am aware that the question of whether those compatriots would be courageous enough to abandon their disingenuous, hypocritical and conspiratorial way of doing things and engage in rational and constructive argument is not an easy task. But, I want to believe that as any human being who is always vulnerable to the gravity of wrong doings, those compatriots would be in a position to admit what went wrong with them and retake the right direction in which we should march for the realization of a democratic society we strongly aspire. Needless to say, the idea of totally avoiding or preventing wrong doings including the ones with serious consequences is unrealistic. What we can do is stay vigilant and try to prevent what is preventable and mange what is manageable whenever crises happen. I am not trying to exaggerate the move by those fellow Ethiopians as such. What I am trying to point out is that if we agree that this kind of behavior of individuals or groupings could have significant contribution to the non-existence of the practices of democratic principles and values in our political history, it is simply wrong to ignore them.<br /><br />3. Let me make what I am trying to say more specific and concrete. As one of millions of genuinely concerned Ethiopians, I do closely follow what is happening and who is saying what and who is doing what with regard to the struggle for freedom and justice that is changing itself in a very dynamic way. Needless to say, staying well-informed is something essentially instrumental to respond to the situation accordingly. The responses we may come up with necessarily depend on the willingness, open-mindedness, courage and ability to look at things critically, objectively and constructively. If we do base our responses on the very process of objective perception and understanding, the possibility of playing positive and constructive role will be remarkably high. If we, on the other hand, do base our perception and understanding simply on our own perspective of subjectivity and personal interests, the possibility of engaging ourselves in disingenuous and unconstructive way of doing things will terribly get high. To reiterate what I said earlier, it is this kind of very unfortunate political culture and behavior that has made the realization of democratic society painfully difficult throughout our political history. And what is extremely worrisome is that there are still considerable number of individuals and groupings which continued dealing with the politics of this 21st century with the same old way of doing politics.<br /><br />Believing that as long as it does not aimed at mere name calling and personal attack, I want to be as straight-forward as possible. Let me point out some of the specific cases which clearly shows why I am saying disingenuous motives.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 1em;">A) I curiously listened to what some fellow individuals had recently to say over and over again on Addis Dimts Radio. I seriously but not surprisingly observed how Abebe Belew of Addis Dimts had to struggle hard to present himself both as a host, as “spokesperson” and as a “coordinator” of individuals whose arguments against those patriotic Ethiopians and their relationship with the Eritrean government sound highly generalized , emotion-driven and of course terribly clumsy. I sincerely believe that arguing for or against any point of view is quite desirable and the right thing to do let alone the points of view that has a lot to do with national politics and interest. But, simple and highly generalized rhetoric such as “those who make any contact and deal with the ruling party of Eritrea should be considered as traitors because Shabia was our enemy, still is, and it will continue to be” is something which badly overshadows the power of rational and realistic way of argument as far as the dynamic nature of politics we should deal with is concerned.<br /><br />I want to believe that Abebe Belew deserves due recognition and appreciation for bringing very important and timely political and socio-economic issues forward on his radio programs, and let both professional and ordinary Ethiopians have their views and analyses for the last several years. His relentless effort particularly since the 2005 tragic elections has been truly appreciable. However, I want to say that what he has done well in the past cannot be an excuse for what he recently has turned round. As I have attentively tried to follow, this turn round has manifested itself during and after the trip by ESAT’s journalists to Eritrea and the broadcast of the entire interview with Ato Isais Afeworki. This turn round got uglier following the news that Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 launched its attack on various military targets of the ethno-centric ruling circle (June 25, 2015). How it got uglier? Abebe Belew, intentionally or otherwise joined those fellow individuals who chose to create a state of confusion about what truly patriotic and heroic Ethiopians are doing.<br /><br />I carefully and repeatedly listened to how Abebe Belew of Addis Dimits (7/12/15) has tried to twist things when he was asked by one of his listeners with regard to the formation of some kind of organization he was talking about; and why he tried to be carefully selective when he was talking about the news on the recently launched attack by Arbegnoch Ginobt 7 on military forces of TPLF. As I have tried to carefully listen to what Abebe was talking about, it was a) about the effort being made to form forums in each state which would gradually come together and form a kind of nation- wide form b) the effort being made to form a kind of journalists’ association that protects their rights (I am not sure who is violating their rights in the real sense of the team).<br /><br />Oddly enough, instead of answering and responding to a comment and question forwarded by the caller in such a way that he could make his idea clear, not necessarily agreeable, he couldn’t control his emotion and nervousness, and as the result, he messed up the conversation with expressions which badly undermined his approach as a personality of radio show. He started his response by saying “You did not understand and you need to come back from the wrong way yo happened to be.” And he repeatedly said, “do not mix water and oil; you have got confusion, etc.” as if he was not talking about the formation of ‘large and viable coalition and association, and an entity that protects the rights of journalist in the diaspora.” Anyone can go back to that program and carefully listen to what Abebe was talking about and what the listener was trying to get a clear sense of understanding. I do not know how the idea of doing big things could be meaningfully feasible with this kind undesirable approach and sentiment.<br /><br />The way how Abebe tried to respond to the question of why he was selective when he talked about the recent steps taken by Arbrgnoch Ginbot 7 was really with some kind of silliness. He tried to justify his response by saying that he did not listen to the audio of which TPLF declared “thirty messengers of Shabia were killed and their terror act has been destroyed.” He very cynically added that Addis Dimts does not broadcast or present news without sufficiently credible information or something which is confusing or something of which it’s right and left is not clear.” I hate to say but I have to say that this is stupidly disingenuous. Well, he might not want to believe the breaking news by ESAT for the reason he did not want to say it. But, it is terribly cynical to try to not tell the news that was proved to be true by the ruling party itself. Needless to say, this mentality of “I do not want to believe something brought by a person or an institution that I am not in good terms” is not something the Ethiopian people deserve at this critical moment at all.<br /><br />B) I have carefully and repeatedly tried to read articles and comments by some of those individuals (Ato Andualem Tefera, Ato Demis Belete,). I listened with some degree of outrage but with patience to what Ato Elisas Kifle had to say on civility paltalk (the very concept of civility is terribly abused here). When he was asked to briefly talk about the steps taken by Arbegnoch Ginbot 7, he sounded just like one of the propagandists of TPLF/EPRDF. Although I do not know he did it intentionally or as a slip of tongue, he told one big truth. He informed us that individuals such as Himself, Abebe Belew, Teklemikael Abebe, Ato Kinfu Asefa and Professor A. G/Mariam who were the founding members of ESAT had been pushed out, and those who are tools of Ginbot 7 and by implication Shabia got a full control of it. He did not objectively explained the big question why they were pushed out if they were at all? It is with this kinds of individuals of disingenuous and cynical behavior that the very ugly campaign we are witnessing is being orchestrated and being carried out.<br /><br />C) Although he looks having difficulties to be courageous enough to get out of the mess those individuals continue to muddle in, Kinfu Asefa’s recent comment with regard to Professor Berhanu Nega’s remarkably heroic decision to go to Eritrea and join freedom fighters as their leader is truly appreciable. He still questions the trustworthiness of Shabia which I believe is not something to be disregarded as long as we agree that it has to be approached and dealt with rationally, realistically, cautiously and of course in a genuinely forward-looking manner. Concerning the question of whether Arbegnoch –Ginbot 7 should be supported or not, it is better to leave it to the people who are desperately looking for a leadership that is willing and able to lead them to the realization of the freedom and justice they strongly aspire.<br /><br />Let me conclude by saying that it would be devastating for us to turn round, and behave disingenuously and disruptively whenever and wherever we feel that our excessive personal egos are challenged. I am not naïve enough that controlling our personal importance and ambitions as parts of our human nature is as simple as anything to deal with. But, I strongly believe that we can and we should use our reasoning power together with our real sense of courage for the sake bringing about the desired political and socio-economic system in which we could live with peace, integrity, mutual respect and shared prosperity.</div></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/disingenuous-behavior-has-nothing-to-do.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-6415358712404512953Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:52:00 +00002015-07-29T22:52:16.078-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaNewsOgadenVideo(Video) 438 Days Imprisoned in Ethiopia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.youtube.com/vi/JwYrbY-goiI/0.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/JwYrbY-goiI/0.jpg" /></div><br /><br />(Democracy Now) While President Obama visited Ethiopia on Monday, he made a passing reference to press freedom, calling on the Ethiopian government to “open additional space for journalists, for media, for opposition voices.”<br /><br />The Committee to Protect Journalists has described Ethiopia as one of the leading jailers of journalists on the continent. At least 11 journalists and bloggers are currently in prison. Six others were released just before Obama’s visit. We look at the remarkable story of two Swedish journalists who traveled to Ethiopia in 2011 to report on the actions of the Swedish oil company Lundin Oil in the Ogaden region, where there has been a fight for independence since the 1970s. Five days after crossing the border from Somalia to Ethiopia, the journalists Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson were shot and captured by the Ethiopian army. “We were both shot during the arrest. We were kept in the desert,” Schibbye said. “They brought in some Steven Spielberg figure, who turned out to be the vice president of the region, who made a mockumentary about what happened when we were arrested. They brought in fake rebels, who they gave guns, and it was a total surreal episode where we, under gunpoint, had to participate in the movie that was supposed to be shown on Ethiopian state television and also used in court to sentence us for support of terrorism.” Schibbye and Persson ended up spending over a year in prison, which they chronicle in their book, “438 Days: How Our Quest to Expose the Dirty Oil Business in the Horn of Africa Got Us Tortured, Sentenced as Terrorists and Put Away in Ethiopia’s Most Infamous Prison.”<br /><div><br /></div></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/video-438-days-imprisoned-in-ethiopia.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-2767968308903891991Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:45:00 +00002015-07-29T22:45:48.806-07:00Barack ObamaDemocracyEthiopiaOpinionDid President Obama tell the truth about Democracy in Ethiopia?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tmu4SzPMfs/Vbm54LmlQHI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/AX3CxoMxHx4/s1600/Obama-in-Ethiopia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tmu4SzPMfs/Vbm54LmlQHI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/AX3CxoMxHx4/s640/Obama-in-Ethiopia1.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />By <a href="http://ecadforum.com/2015/07/29/did-president-obama-tell-the-truth-about-democracy-in-ethiopia/" target="_blank">Dula</a><br /><br />Congressman Joe Wilson called President Obama a liar during his address to Congress. I was infuriated, as well as many Americans, because it was rate to utter such a word in such venue or any venue to a sitting president.<br /><br />Now the question is, Did President Obama tell the truth or he is being mislead about democracy in Ethiopia. All the evidence about Ethiopia from the State Department Report on Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the U.N all indicate egregious human rights abuses, but President Obama on July 27, during a joint press conference with PM. Hailemariam Deslalegn told the press that Ethiopia is a democracy and the Ethiopian regime was “democratically elected”. The regime won 100% of votes according its government appointed election commission. The only opposition representative was barred from running.<br /><br />What is going with President Obama. I wonder what happens with African-Americans when they go to Africa, they fall in love with dictators and they completely ignore the reality or the masses who are toiling and completely oppressed and suppressed. Ethiopia has more journalist and religious leaders in jail than any African country. In his book Out of America: A Black Man Confronts Africa, journalist Keith Richburg criticizes some African-Americans for being too willing to work with African dictators who increase the suffering of their own people. Obama is no exception to this curse.<br /><br />In 2005 at the behest of the United States, Ethiopia invaded Somalia and succeeded in ousting a government that brought stability and for the first time after the fall of dictator Siad Barre. All Somalia and tribal chiefs were under its control. The consequence of that invasion was the rise of Al Shabab. Now, Obama sowing the seeds of rebellion by taking all hopes of any democratic change in Ethiopia. He has closed all the doors for peaceful change or any U.S. pressure for democratic opening in Ethiopia by endorsing the current system. The Ethiopian regime spends huge sums of money lobbying U.S. officials with the help of DLP Piper, a global lobbying agency and that may be paying off, but at the expense of the 100 million lives in Ethiopia.<br /><br />What a legacy for a man who won the Nobel Peace Prize to endorse one of the most rotten and corrupt regime in the world. What a contradiction for a president who often talked about openness and democracy to reverse a course and wine and dine in country where there is no freedom of the press or freedom of religion or where the Internet and most of the means of production are controlled by a one party dictatorship.<br /><br />It is a sad day for Ethiopia, a sad day for Obama and a sad day for U.S.A because Obama represents U.S.A.</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/did-president-obama-tell-truth-about.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-4612457624005186830Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:43:00 +00002015-07-29T22:43:22.531-07:00AudioBerhanu NegaEthiopiaEthiopian Rebels(VOA Audio) Dr Berhanu Nega will not return to the US before victory <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7Zk9upZdgJU/0.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7Zk9upZdgJU/0.jpg" /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Zk9upZdgJU" width="100%"></iframe> Dr Berhanu Nega will not return to the US before victory </div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/voa-audio-dr-berhanu-nega-will-not.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-7528463968571644660Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:40:00 +00002015-07-29T22:40:33.267-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaJournalistsNewsObama's 'democratic' Ethiopia comment slammed by African rights activists<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaudFS28s7k/Vbk-HBLZ7yI/AAAAAAAAMAI/sRrM1ifFTTo/s1600/Obama%2Bat%2BAU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaudFS28s7k/Vbk-HBLZ7yI/AAAAAAAAMAI/sRrM1ifFTTo/s640/Obama%2Bat%2BAU.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><span style="color: #999999;">Obama lecturing Africans about human rights and democracy from a dictatorship country like Ethiopia.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><br /> By <a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/7/28/obama-draws-criticism-for-saying-ethiopia-is-democratic.html" target="_blank">Aljazeera</a><br /><br /><br />African activists on Tuesday dismissed President Barack Obama's remarks that Ethiopia has a democratically elected government as an “out of touch” public relations exercise.<br /><br />Obama made the comment on Monday during a news conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, whose ruling party won every seat in parliament in May elections.<br /><br />It was followed a day later by the U.S. president delivering a speech from the headquarters of the African Union in which he urged African leaders to uphold democratic rights.<br /><br />The seemingly conflicting remarks made before Obama ended a two-nation African trip that included a stop in Kenya were questioned by rights activists Tuesday.<br /><br />"Yesterday he was a tricky and mischievous politician," Yonathan Tesfaye, a spokesman for Ethiopia's opposition Blue Party, said in a reference to Obama's comment that Ethiopia's government was democratically elected.<br /><br />"And today he has become a passionate inspirational human rights activist," Tesfaye added. "Which one should we believe? Which one should we go with?"<br /><br />Merara Gudina, a leading opposition figure in Ethiopia, said he was doubtful that the United States would push hard for democratic change in his country. He worries that Obama's visit will end up being "another public relations exercise."<br /><br />Human rights groups have criticized Obama for visiting Ethiopia, saying his trip lends legitimacy to an oppressive government.<br /><br />Last month, a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) placed Ethiopia at the top of countries from where journalists were forced to flee. Since May 2014, Addis Ababa had forced 34 journalists into exile, more than twice as many as in Syria, which came in at second place, according to CPJ data.<br /><br />The report said the expulsion of Ethiopian journalists spiked in the run-up to Ethiopia’s widely criticized election in May, which left the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in power, where it has been for a quarter of a century.<br /><br />Ethiopia is also Africa’s second-biggest jailer of journalists in Africa, according to CPJ.<br /><br />At the news conference Monday, Obama said: "Our policy is that we oppose terrorism wherever it may occur. And we are opposed to any group that is promoting the violent overthrow of a government, including the government of Ethiopia, that has been democratically elected."<br /><br />He was responding to a question on how the U.S. government could assist Ethiopia combat alleged threats from outlawed Ethiopian opposition groups, including those based in the United States.<br /><br />But Obama's remarks regarding terrorism illustrate how the U.S. is becoming "out of touch with African realities," such as the repeated electoral victories of ruling parties, said Angelo Izama, a Ugandan analyst who heads Fanaka Kwawote, a security research center.<br /><br />"It was kind of ironic that Obama was singing the praises of democracy in Ethiopia while ignoring its flaws there," Izama said.<br /><br />During his visit, Obama urged Ethiopia to widen freedom of expression and other democratic rights. But he was cautious to appear too hard on a country the U.S. sees as a bulwark against armed fighters in the Horn of Africa.<br /><br />The most recent U.S. State Department assessment of Ethiopia’s human rights records paints the country in starker terms.<br /><br />“The most significant human rights problems included restrictions on freedom of expression, including continued restrictions on print media and on the Internet, and restrictions on freedom of association, including through arrests; politically motivated trials; and harassment and intimidation of opposition members and journalists,” read the department’s annual report.</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/obamas-democratic-ethiopia-comment.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-2955055605829399631Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:31:00 +00002015-07-29T22:31:07.839-07:00Barack ObamaEthiopiaJournalistsNewsVideo(Video) Ethiopian journalist willing to risk everything<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv_WiHv8VaA/Vbm2PRdya6I/AAAAAAAAMBE/bq3YE0_VaPE/s1600/325.jpg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv_WiHv8VaA/Vbm2PRdya6I/AAAAAAAAMBE/bq3YE0_VaPE/s1600/325.jpg" /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NxshmyILlNU" width="100%"></iframe> <br />ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Three Ethiopian journalists were released from prison three weeks ago, ahead of President Obama’s visit to the African nation. They are just some of victims who dared to criticize their government and went to prison for it.<br /><br />Now, the three are speaking about that repression and one is willing to risk everything to have her voice heard, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Major Garrett.<br /><br />“I was in prison for four years and 17 days,” Reeyot Alemu said.<br /><br />“For one year, two months and 14 days,” Zelalem Kibret said.<br /><br />“One year, two months and 15 days,” Edom Kassaye said.<br /><br />The three journalists were charged with terrorism, but the allegations were mysteriously dropped just before Mr. Obama’s visit.<br /><br />Kassaye and Kibret are now afraid to return to journalism, but Alemu is not.<br /><br />“There are only two choices. I must not write about this government or I must write it and to be arrested or to be killed. I don’t know,” she said. “Even this interview. I don’t know what they will do about because of this interview.”<br /><br />Alemu was beaten in jail and feels guilty that four fellow journalists remain behind bars.<br /><br />“What can I do? Just to be silent, or contribute something, and I choose to contribute something and I’m willing to pay the price. This is my decision,” she said.<br /><br />In their private meeting, Mr. Obama told Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn that jailing journalists not only ‎violates humans rights, it will discourage what Desalegn wants most: foreign investment.<br /><br />For Alemu, the choice is simpler.<br /><br />“Ethiopia must be changed. I must do something,” she said.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/video-ethiopian-journalist-willing-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-1782025905425178267Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:18:00 +00002015-07-29T22:19:19.830-07:00Berhanu NegaEthiopiaEthiopian RebelsNewsTPLFEthiopian Opposition Group Threatens Armed Resistance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86SIo5qnimQ/VbmzXOiIWxI/AAAAAAAAMA0/iMtM5vE9D_0/s1600/dr-berhanu-nega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86SIo5qnimQ/VbmzXOiIWxI/AAAAAAAAMA0/iMtM5vE9D_0/s640/dr-berhanu-nega.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />By <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/ethipias-opposition-group-threatens-armed-resistance/2878413.html" target="_blank">Douglas Mpuga</a><br /><br />(VOA News) Ethiopia’s opposition Ginbot 7 Movement for Unity and Democracy has decided to use armed resistance in addition to peaceful resistance against the government in Addis Ababa. This follows the move of the group’s leader from the United States to Eritrea.<br /><br />Berhanu Nega travelled to Ethiopia’s northern neighbor following the merger of his Ginbot 7 with the Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front. “It’s true he travelled to Eritrea, he went on July 17, 2015,” said the spokesman for the group, Dr. Tadesse Biru.<br /><br />“He is the leader of an organization that strives to bring about democratic order in Ethiopia, and he went to fulfil his leadership role,” he explained in reference to Dr. Berhanu, who was sentenced to death in absentia while living in the US.<br /><br />Ethiopia’s government classes Ginbot 7 as a terrorist group. It comprises former members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, an opposition grouping that made unprecedented gains against the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front in 2005 elections.<br /><br />Tadesse confirmed the merger of Ginbot 7 with the Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front this year. On armed resistance, he said: “We do have a kind of blended strategy to challenge the government in Addis Ababa. We have been trying to stage civic disobedience; we tried peaceful resistance starting in 2005.”<br /><br />But, a non-violent solution, he said, has been closed by the government in Ethiopia, and the group has been forced to consider all possible avenues including civic disobedience and armed resistance.<br /><br />Tadesse emphasized, however, that the group is still open to a non-violent settlement. “We are always open to possibilities of a peaceful resolution. The group emerged from a peaceful movement but now we are forced to consider armed resistance. It’s not our choice but there is no other feasible option to challenge the government in Addis Ababa.”<br /><br />He said civil disobedience will continue, but will be complemented by ‘non-peaceful resistance, like it was done in South Africa’.<br /><br />Some observers say the move of the group to Eritrea could renew tensions between the Horn of Africa nations, which fought a two-year war that ended in 2000.<br /><br />The spokesperson dispelled such fears, saying nothing will happen since the two countries had no friendly relationship anyway. “Eritrea has provided us an opportunity to organize our movement there, that’s all. I don’t think it will in any way affect the relationship – it has not been good.”<br /><br />As to the strength of the group’s armed force, Tadesse said: “yes, there is a small group that has been training in Eritrea, and there is a movement developing.”<br /><br />Officials in Addis Ababa have dismissed the group’s move. A special adviser to the Prime Minister was reported saying Ginbot 7 is militarily weak and Berhanu’s move to Eritrea is a “publicity stunt.”</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/ethiopian-opposition-group-threatens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-7291871030878191035Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:15:00 +00002015-07-29T22:15:30.179-07:00Berhanu NegaEritreaEthiopiaGinbot7NewsEthiopia Opposition Leaders Head to Run Campaign From Eritrea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-Df_wiVdAs/Vaw-r2lkYBI/AAAAAAAAL2Y/ne40jQcRSx8/s1600/ginbot%2B7%2Beritrea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-Df_wiVdAs/Vaw-r2lkYBI/AAAAAAAAL2Y/ne40jQcRSx8/s640/ginbot%2B7%2Beritrea.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dr.Berhanu Nega, e</span><span style="color: #999999;">xiled Ethiopian opposition leader, joined Patriotic Ginbot 7 in Eritrea&nbsp;</span></div><br /><br />By <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-24/ethiopian-opposition-leader-travels-to-eritrea-to-lead-rebellion?utm_source=social&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=prbuexperts" target="_blank">William Davison&nbsp;</a><br /><br />The leader of a U.S.-based Ethiopian opposition group relocated to Eritrea to organize civil and armed resistance against the government in the capital, Addis Ababa, a movement spokesman said.<br /><br />Berhanu Nega, a former U.S. resident, traveled to Ethiopia’s northern neighbor following the merger of his Ginbot 7 group with the Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front this year, spokesman Tadesse Kersmo said. Renewed tensions between the Horn of Africa nations, which fought a two-year war that ended in 2000, come before next week’s visit by Barack Obama to Ethiopia, the first by a sitting U.S. president.<br /><br />“We are following a kind of merged strategy, blending peaceful resistance with non-peaceful resistance,” Tadesse said by phone from London on July 21. Attacks on security installations seek to inspire Ethiopians to engage in non-violent opposition, he said.<br /><br />Ethiopia has fractious relations with Eritrea, which became independent from its larger neighbor in 1993 after three decades of armed struggle. Sections of the border remain militarized after a failure to implement a 2002 United Nations ruling that awarded disputed territory to Eritrea. Both governments back insurgencies against each other.<br /><br />Sporadic attacks by anti-government militants haven’t stopped Ethiopia’s economic growth, which is forecast by the International Monetary Fund to exceed an annual rate of 8 percent over the next two years.<br /><br /><b>‘Appropriate Action’</b><br /><b><br /></b>Ethiopia’s government classes Ginbot 7 as a terrorist group and has sentenced Berhanu to death in absentia. Berhanu’s deputy, British citizen Andargachew Tsige, is on death row in Ethiopia after being captured in Yemen en route to Eritrea in June 2014 to negotiate the merger, Tadesse said.<br /><br />Ethiopian security forces and the rebel coalition clashed in the northern Tigray region last month, Tadesse said. On July 8, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn warned Eritrea he would take “appropriate action” if regional destabilization continued. Ethiopia says it last conducted strikes inside Eritrea in 2012.<br />Ginbot 7 is militarily weak and Berhanu’s move is a “publicity stunt,” Getachew Reda, a special adviser to Hailemariam, said Thursday by phone. “The only way they can galvanize support among a dwindling following is by concocting some kind of drama.”<br /><br />Ginbot 7 comprises former members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, an opposition grouping that made unprecedented gains against the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front in 2005 elections.<br /><br /><b>Eritrea Deal</b><br /><b><br /></b>Protests occurred after the CUD claimed victory, leading to almost 200 people being shot dead by security forces. Opponents were jailed en masse for treason before being pardoned and leaving Ethiopia. Opposition parties won one seat in parliamentary elections in 2010; this year the ruling coalition took all 547 constituencies.<br /><br />The merged rebel group’s only deal with Eritrea is using it as a base, Tadesse said. President Isaias Afewerki rules a one-party state that’s banned private media and was accused of possible crimes against humanity by UN investigators last month. The government says wartime powers, including indefinite national service, are necessary because of the threat from Ethiopia, whose population of 96 million is about 15 times larger than Eritrea’s.<br /><br />The report of clashes “strengthens the hand of securocrats in the government that have wanted to see a more robust military approach towards” Eritrea, said Michael Woldemariam, assistant professor of international relations and an expert on African politics at Boston University. “The situation is volatile, and the potential for heightened conflict is real.”</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/ethiopia-opposition-leaders-head-to-run.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-7254967184578752432Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:10:00 +00002015-07-29T22:10:59.059-07:00EthiopiaOpinionTPLFYelma BekeleEthiopia: ‘Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.’<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbFew7SFcTw/Vbmxt6WRzpI/AAAAAAAAMAo/IK1gdRISCNQ/s1600/a-stone-of-hope%25E2%2580%2599-chiseled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbFew7SFcTw/Vbmxt6WRzpI/AAAAAAAAMAo/IK1gdRISCNQ/s640/a-stone-of-hope%25E2%2580%2599-chiseled.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><br /><br />By <a href="http://www.zehabesha.com/out-of-a-mountain-of-despair-a-stone-of-hope-by-yilma-bekele/" target="_blank">Yelma Bekele</a><br /><br />I saw the inscription ‘Out of despair, a stone of hope’ chiseled out of the rock that has the likes of MLK emerging. The boulder in the background is ‘despair’, and ‘hope’ is symbolized by by the slice of rock that broke off and moved forward. MLK led his people in their demand for freedom and equality and achieved many victories. He turned despair into hope. The quotation-‘out of despair, a stone of hope’ that is chiseled out on the side of ‘hope’ comes from ‘I have a dream speech’ by MLK Jr.<br /><br />The monument to the great leader is in Washington DC and I had a chance to visit it this summer. When I saw it I felt at peace and and the despair that was building inside of me was replaced by a profound feeling of joy and the possibility that tomorrow is going to be a different day. It spoke to my Ethiopian situation.<br /><br />Yes at times we all feel helpless and accept the notion that we’re condemned to suffer. The arrogance of the ruling group, the turmoil inside those that oppose the criminals coupled with basic ignorance creates an atmosphere of despair. Despair has been our number one enemy. Despair results in lack of focus. The absence of focus leaves the door open to all sorts of bizarre and negative ideas and people to pollute the environment.<br /><br />Ever since 2005 the nature of our struggle has shown a qualitative change compared to times before that. 2005 gave birth to the new Ethiopia we want to build. We had gone through an Imperial regime based on the Feudal system, a military Junta masquerading as a ‘Socialist Republic’ and today a single ethnic based terrorist group bordering on Fascism coming to a close.<br /><br />After exhausting all avenues to bring a lasting peace to our people and country we now find ourselves gearing for battle. It is no one’s first choice. It is a choice imposed on us by the TPLF mafia. Ethiopians are very patient people. We have moved heaven and earth to find a peaceful accommodation to avoid bloodshed. We have paid a heavy price for peace.<br /><br />It is our turn to turn despair into hope. Our people are returning home. The time to walk away from Woyane atrocity and degradation is over. It is time to go back and talk to Woyane in a new language and that is what is being implemented on the ground. Normally the citizen communicates with those in power through the power of the ballot. That is the language spoken in most countries. It is not an option in our country. There is nothing degrading than being informed of a 100% victory.<br /><br />Woyane has always said ‘if you want to share power, come and take it but by force.’ The dead PM used to say that with a smile. Your dream has come true dear comrade dictator. Arbegnoche Ginbar G7 (Patriotic G7) has started knocking on your door.<br /><br />They know we are coming back. You can tell by the shrill voice they are appealing to their non friends to save them. Woyane does not have any friend. They are not capable of such human quality. Let alone with outsiders the average Woyane does not even enjoy peace in his own home. ‘Sick Dog’ perfectly describes Woyane.<br /><br />The children of Ethiopia are once again on the move. Our fathers and mothers marched north to resist fascism. We their children are marching south to clean the fascist remnants that stayed behind. We surprised the whole world the first time around and there is no reason to think it would be any different this time.<br /><br />It is history repeating itself. The Italians were organized, heavily armed and counted the British, French and Germans on their side. The Ethiopians were poorly armed, alone and have to travel by foot for hundreds of kilometers to confront the aggressor. Today as yesterday the TPLF Woyane have thousands of troops, modern jet fighters and helicopter gunships. The Americans, the Europeans and African dictators are on the side of the modern Askaris.<br /><br />Once again we Ethiopians seem to stand alone all by ourselves. That is what the outsider looks at when they see the formation of the forces facing each other. But reality is a little different. Just as before we have millions of patriotic Ethiopians that when threatened and angry no force on earth would stand on their way. Today all Ethiopians are angry at the children of Askaris that have out lived their welcome.<br /><br />We are hearing gunshots from the north. We are witnessing the joy of our people in the motherland and all over the world where we have been scattered by Woyane. Except for Woyane and their puppies I have not met a single Ethiopian that is not happy with the final decision to deal with the varmints once and for all. The announcement by Patriotic G7 that they have started the offensive against the minority regime has filled our heart with pride. Getting rid of Woyane has taken center stage to any and all other concerns.<br /><br />We have entered a new phase in our quest for freedom and equality. The recent announcement by Arbegnoche Ginbot7 combatants that they have engaged the TPLF mercenary force in battle has taken our struggle to new higher plane. The culture of being a victim has been put to rest.<br /><br />The presence of Dr. Berhanu Nega with our freedom fighters has ushered a new era in our quest for freedom. Patriotic G7 is a new form of organization that prides itself in painstakingly charting the road the movement will travel to achieve freedom and democracy for our people. As has been said many times before Patriotic G7 is not fighting to take power from Woyane warlords but rather prepare the conditions for the people of Ethiopia to choose their system of government and their leaders in a free independent environment.<br /><br />The struggle ahead is not easy. The enemy has unlimited supply of money and foreign friends that would stand with the rogue regime until it shows signs of disarray. None of these factors would change our style of fighting or our plan for the future. The last twenty years have thought us the value of concentrating on our own efforts and our own strength. It is all about us not about them. The question in front of Ethiopians today is ‘how are you going to help those that are fighting on your behalf for your freedom and democracy?<br /><br />Here in the West we are looking at a few of the response they have planned to thwart our struggle. Of course their first reaction was to ignore our freedom fighters. They found out that was only possible when they were the only ones with the media. ESAT, may God bless them and allow them to thrive, is our response. ESAT is not an accident or a foreign funded media but one that is born and lovingly nurtured by us the children of Ethiopia. We have acquired the ability to speak loudly on our own behalf. We have been exercising that right a few years now and you must all admit it feels good.<br /><br />Woyane were forced to admit that Ethiopians are not lying dead any more but are shooting back to kill. Of course their version of events put the reality in a different light. It was the dreaded Shabia that is attacking them not Ethiopians. In the eye of Woyane Ethiopians are cowards that do not have the presence of mind to say no. This ‘blame Shabia’ will be taken to newer heights the coming few months. It diverts attention, is an attempt to rally Ethiopians against a foreign power and ultimately it is meant to put us down and call us cowards.<br /><br />Their children in the US led by Aiga Forum are busy weaving such story. A few days ago they were attempting to show how a war with Eritrea is justified. They even predicted that ‘terrorist act’ would take place during Mr. Obama’s trip. If you remember Woyane planted explosives in taxi’s and blamed the opposition and thanks to Wiki leaks we were able to confirm our suspicions. Our advice to Woyane – the Americans know you better than you know yourselves and we suggest you quit this stupidity and put that explosive down before you hurt yourself.<br /><br />It is sad that at a time like this when we need to gather our forces and concentrate our rage at the enemy there are some among us peddling worn out negative theories and using their little media power to undermine our effort. A couple of our so called ‘progressive media’ friends are employing yellow journalism and preaching doom and gloom. The practice of quoting Woyane media, hiding behind unnamed sources and using sensation to generate click for money is shameless and destructive. We have learnt the folly of being side tracked from the straight road that leads our people to enjoy life and liberty. We really do not have time for such game.<br /><br />I can understand Woyane blaming others to divert attention and buy time but what I have a problem is with those that knock down our liberation fighters and minimize their gallant efforts. Are you telling us we Ethiopians are unable to fight for our freedom? Are you telling us that we are not smart enough to know what is in our interest? Why do you doubt the gallantry of our people and the pride of our nation?<br /><br />Today even a visit by a foreign leader is is given such significance and becomes a talking point and further distraction from the ongoing inflation, repression and large scale hunger. President Obama’s visit is seen as an endorsement of all criminal acts by the regime. The way I see it, it is a proud moment for the first black American president to freely associate with his African counterparts and cousins from the seat of their August Organization in Addis Abeba. If it was in Lagos or Cairo he would have gone there. But thanks to the bravery of our ancestors that inspired millions of Black leaders and people to look at our country as an inspiration of hope and better times to come the founders choose Ethiopia as the Home base.<br /><br />The fact that Ethiopia is the cradle of civilization and a nation revered by all black people the journey can be read by some as having a historical and spiritual significance to the young and graceful African American President.<br /><br />As an Ethiopian my first reaction was that of utmost pleasure. To play host to the President of America is not a simple matter. When that person is Black and a very successful leader that has been voted to office not one but twice with a super majority makes the stop over very sweet and something to remember for all the Ethiopians that get the chance to greet him and show him what a wonderful people we are. My only regret is that I am not there to welcome good old Obama in person.<br /><br />Some people did not take the news kindly. In fact some are using the visit to make a point about matters that do not even play any role in the context of the visit. There are those that feign to be hurt by his gesture. Most are crocodile tears shed while flying Ethiopian Airlines. While on the other side of the coin are Woyanes that use the visit to add significance to their miserable criminal life. In Ethiopia reality is replaced by numbers that is generated by the TPLF and confirmed by the IMF, World Bank and the Economist Magazine which makes it true and quotable. Damn reality.<br /><br />The visit by President Obama is now being used to score a political point to show how much the government is respected by the international community thus deserving a visit by the American President. &nbsp;It will be used to justify the 100% win, the continued killings and mass terrorism.<br /><br />Both sides seem to miss the point. Obama is coming to visit the country Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people. He is not coming to break bread with puppet HMD or have coffee with Abbay Tsehaye and his goons but he is coming to see our country Ethiopia. Ethiopia is way bigger than any one of us. Ethiopia – our country has stayed the same for hundreds of years. In fact isn’t that one of our core problem that is always hindering us from moving forward? Isn’t our resistance to change and staying the road even when it goes over the cliff that is causing such a good event instead of being proud that creates such ping pong situation?<br /><br />We wish Mr. Obama a beautiful visit to our ancient land. We would also like to point out that the officials that are trying to have a photo session with him are legitimate candidates to the International Court of Justice. We also want to remind him that while he is attending all those lavish ceremonies most of our people go to bed hungry, our children do not have the luxury of basic schooling, and our young ones are dying in the jungles of Africa, the deserts of Arabia and the Red Sea. We would also like to point out like his people in the USA that fought hard for their freedom we Ethiopians are doing just that and would appreciate a little bit of empathy from our friends.<br /><br />Ultimately the job to gain freedom can only be done by Ethiopians themselves. It is good if all freedom and peace loving people give us a helping hand. It would make the burden lighter and the job easier. We have started the journey and the choice in front of all Ethiopians is to stand with the freedom fighters or the Woyane warlords. May God protect and bless our freedom fighters. We shall win!<br /><br /></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/ethiopia-out-of-mountain-of-despair.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-7957658444312997369Thu, 30 Jul 2015 05:06:00 +00002015-07-31T00:36:16.387-07:00Elias KifleEthiopiaOpinionTeshome DebalkeAba Mela and Dawit Kebede joined the unholy confederation of vampires against Patriotic- Ginbot 7 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7mMtJkaAFQ/VbmwF8pEsII/AAAAAAAAMAc/LqkQC-8rxs4/s1600/Elias-Kifle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7mMtJkaAFQ/VbmwF8pEsII/AAAAAAAAMAc/LqkQC-8rxs4/s640/Elias-Kifle2.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Aba Mela and Dawit Kebede joined the unholy confederation of vampires against Patriotic- Ginbot 7</b><br /><br />&nbsp;By <a href="http://ecadforum.com/2015/07/22/aba-mela-and-dawit-kebede-joined-the-unholy-confederation/" target="_blank">Teshome Debalke</a><br /><br /><br />In the latest development, the X Woyane Aba Mela of Ethiopians civility room and present Dawit Kebede of Awramba Times joined Elias Kifle of Ethiopian Review and Abrah Belai of EthioMedia to slash-and-burn Patriotic Ginbot 7. Others haven’t come out in public yet — going around the bushes waiting for the right moment before they come out of the closet and join the unholy confederate of vampires — patriots at day and something else at night.<br /><br />No insult intended but simply to describe the unholy aligns from unexpected individuals is as a result of living in a bubble on the expenses of our people’s freedom. For example, one thing they all have in common is they are lone rangers that haven’t done anything worthy in their entire lives but run Medias to pretend they do. If it wasn’t for the technology they would be seating in coffee shop chitchat their wishes and no one would know they exist. All are male with an ego the size of elephants but, a brain of a rabbit. All go in-and-out of anything that comes along to satisfy their ego. All are patriotic at day something else altogether at night. All believe; if they are not in it, it is not good enough and must be demolished. All never worked in formal organization in their entire lives to know better –it takes more than a sharp mouth to build something worthy.Elias Kifle's confederation of vampires<br /><br />More than anybody, the most fighting people facing our society are vampires running their mouth driving good people away from the struggle for liberty and democracy. They don’t understand rule of law or due process nor do they know how to operate in organizational setting. Therefore, the organization, the rules and the job that need to be done is reduced to coffee talk against those that do the job or piggybacking on anything done to satisfy their empty ego.<br /><br />Closer look at them tell us they haven’t changed anything in their entire lives except stirring things up to remain relevant. Decades later you would expect something tangible would change for the better but, racking what is built by cut-and-paste gossip is their only accomplishments. One thing they are good at is demolishing anything someone built before it sees the day. They have been so good at it to outlive many for more.<br /><br />Take the infamous x Woyane Aba Mela of civility room that bled Ethiopians most of his adult life with Woyane to turn patriotic Ethiopian in the last hour to do more in the name of Ethiopian Civility room that claims “we gather news and information about ETHIOPIA AND ETHIOPIANS around the World from credible sources”. Though there is no civility and credibility is what he does, conveniently left out from the civility room is the interview with the man that claim to be EEPF Founder Mekle Mengistie passed on to Ethiopian Review. ER says Must listen advice from EPPF founder Ato Mekle Mengistie sourced from the Civility room guru Aba Mela.Dawit Kebede of Awramba Times followed “Elias Kifle of Ethiopian Review Slams Ginbot 7 for Claiming a False Victory over EPRDF”—forming the unholy confederation of vampires against Patriotic- Ginbot 7.<br /><br />Naturally, even if the Ato Melke Mengistie has any worthy advice to listen to; the fact the three clowns are involved in the affair is enough to discard it as rubbish. It is all about credibility–hard to earn but easy to loss.<br /><br />Incidentally, the civility room Aba Mela runs media doesn’t have any ‘credible sourced’ news on its website –indicating it is a front for diversion.<br /><br />Aba Mela’s after a long service to Woyane and chitchatting in Civility room the only contribution to our people is recycle old story over-and-over again and a dozen interviews of some Ethiopians he believes would advance its undeclared mission as posted — wondering around aimlessly looking for the next Ethiopian organization to demolish — searching for anyone to help.<br /><br />This time Aba Mela through Elias Kifle of ER presented Mekle Mengistie that claims to be the Co- Founder of Patriotic Front with his other friend that traveled to Asmera in the mid-90s from Europe. Surly Aba Mela and Elias can do better than the man that barley put coherent sentence together against Patriotic –Ginbot 7. The man sounded awakened from his deep sleep by Aba Mela and Elias to tell-tell a fairytale on Aba Mela’s Tela Bet talk room. He said; he was silent for over three years but…decided to tell-tell<br /><br />It appears desperation is setting in. At home, Dawit of Awramba must also be desperate to source Elias of ER. With Woyane officials at his tips and when he can go to the war front to find out the truth, the poor we value impartiality Dawit of Awramba Time featured story is Elias Kifle of ER. Ethiomedia so far stayed away sourcing anyone but himself.<br /><br />What should Ethiopians make of the confederation of vampires coming together for one thing only-against Patriotic-Ginbot 7?<br /><br />Something doesn’t look kosher. The way I see it as described above; these guys have been at this game for so long they qualify as grandfather of lone ranger Medias. They can’t go back or forward — stuck in the same place all their adult lives. What did the four musketeers do worthy of speaking since they came in the picture beside cut-and-paste mud and telling fairytale story most of their lives?<br /><br />Have you seen one thing they contributed to bring about anything worthy of democratic rule or unity of our people for any cause? If I missed it please let me know soon to correct my mistake.<br /><br />Let us explore the vampires’ love-hate relationship with Shabiya that appears to be the main driving force that brings them together in confederation. What is it that Shabia did to Ethiopians that Woyane didn’t do that excites them out of their mind? In other words, if Ethiopians are expected to work with Woyane against Shabia what is wrong working with Shabia against Woyane?<br /><br />Let go further and explore their claim Shabia is going to destroy Ethiopia. If Woyane is doing it as we speak what worst thing could Shabia would do that hasn’t been done by Woyane? Make all Ethiopians Eritreans?<br /><br />The way I see it, it has nothing to do with Shabia and everything to do with Ethiopians Patriotic –Ginbot, ESAT, ESFNA …anything and everything Ethiopian seems to disturb them. I wonder why?<br /><br />I think the root eating vampires are out to preserve the status qua through slash-and-burn of Ethiopians. Watch carefully how many beds they jumped in and out in their lifetime and tell me what principle stand they have to call them anything but… you get the picture.<br /><br />If I see anything they provide worth a penny on the dollar I will stand corrected and acknowledge my mistake but, so far none. Until then, like every society they should be considered clowns and dealt with them accordingly. If clowns are taken seriously, it is a sign society failed. Thus, it is not their problem but ours. After all, what else would one expect clowns to know but clowning.<br /><br />Ethiopians must stop our silence and speak up against clowns with primary mission of keeping us divided, confused or distracted.<br /><br />No Ethiopians should be insulted by anyone without consequences. Likewise, no Ethiopian should stand by when clowns throw mud on Ethiopians without responding in kind.<br /><br />I expect every Media to behave like Ethiopian or pay the consequences. Cutting and pasting mud on Ethiopians is unacceptable by anyone period.<br /><br />The article is dedicated to Patriotic-Ginbot 7 Ethiopian People Liberators</div></div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/aba-mela-and-dawit-kebede-joined-unholy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-9182689507407179481Tue, 21 Jul 2015 10:26:00 +00002015-07-21T03:35:00.503-07:00EthiopiaOpinionTaye NegussieEthiopia: Behind the Politics of Hatred<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BupB8kohcO8/VTLtT-xz_LI/AAAAAAAAJLo/A17lxN2Wf6I/s1600/no%2Bimage.jpg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BupB8kohcO8/VTLtT-xz_LI/AAAAAAAAJLo/A17lxN2Wf6I/s1600/no%2Bimage.jpg" /></div>By <a href="http://www.borkena.com/2015/07/19/behind-the-politics-of-hatred-taye-negussie-phd/" target="_blank">Taye Negussie (PhD)</a><br /><br />In the introductory note to the thirteenth edition of the journal Taking Sides: Clashing Views in World Politics (2008), editor John T. Rourke invokes Rolling Stones’ popular song “Sympathy With the Devil” and Marshal Berman brilliant essay, “Have Sympathy for the Devil” stating that the mutual theme of the Stones’ and Berman’s works rest on Johann Goethe’s classical drama Faust. In that classical drama, the central character, Dr. Faust, “sells his soul to gain great power.” He attempts to do good but ultimately he commits evil by “doing the wrong things” for what he thinks is “the right cause”.<br /><br />This story seems to have some affinity with what is transpiring today with too many of the hardliner identity politics that attempt to justify their political cause by demeaning and criminalizing the entire groups of societies–the “evil-others”–whom they accuse for denying their right to a “sovereign state” and eroding and diluting their “natural identity”.<br /><br />Without a doubt, it is such prejudiced and irrational account that often had led many to commit heinous acts of mass massacre and genocide as evinced in Ruanda, former Yugoslavia and many more other places. Even the recent atrocious massacre of many Ethiopians in Libya and South Africa reportedly by Islamic fundamentalists and ultra-nationalists respectively seems to have been rooted in the misperception about other religious faiths and the imagined threat posed by foreigners on the livelihood of the locals.<br /><br />Though nowadays we tend to associate fundamentalism solely with extremist Islamic ideology but the historical evidences would rather reveal that it could indeed well be the case with any hardliner exclusionist in-group vs. out-group oriented identity politics. In fact, as world history well testifies the racial and ethnic instigated violent incidences are by far more numerous and frequent than the purely religious ones.<br /><br />Whatever the case may be, one thing that must be clear to all of us in this regard is that almost all of the hitherto identity related conflicts and massacres that occurred around the world were invariably the direct consequence of a vigorous and sustained psychological and emotional campaign by the belligerent party. These campaigns were often used for two major reasons: 1/to isolate and dehumanize the scapegoat ‘enemy’, 2/ to charge the alleged victims with as much rage and vengeful sentiment as needed to bolster them to commit any heinous act without regret.Consider the ultra-nationalist Nazi regime’s intense anti-Semitic campaign that led to the extermination of around 6 million Jewish in Germany during the Second World War, and the much more recent Rwanda’s well-orchestrated anti-Tutsi campaign that resulted in the massacre of half a million Rwandans, mainly of Tutsi ethnic group.<br /><br />This being said, now we may rightly ask what is indeed the root cause that pushes many racial/ethno-centric fundamentalists to adopt such a hard-liner exclusionist stance? Of course, their largely manifest motto usually starts from the seemingly legitimate premise of reviving and reincarnating some allegedly endangered or lost identities. But, this really tells very little about the true essence and ultimate object of many of the sectarian identity politics. A serious endeavor to get a sense of the true nature of such a subtle politics must go much further than the façade appearance.<br /><br />A quick review of literature in this regard reveals that the real issue can only be glimpsed in the unwritten and implicit assumption of the fundamentalist racial/ethno-centric ideology which centers on the principle governing “natural” social organization.<br /><br /><b>The case of ‘Heroic-Folkish Realism’</b><br /><br />Evidently, the ideal model of social organization often imagined by the exclusionary fundamentalist racial/ethno-centric politics is what the renowned critical social scientist Herebert Marcuse calls “Heroic-Folkish Realism”–an exclusionist world view that imagines a “pure” racial/ethnic stock as ever tied to a particular soil. The underlying assumption in this mentality is the sanctity and universality of the notion of “folk”, “race”, “blood” and “soil” underlining a true “natural” social organization.<br /><br />A careful look into these concepts might lay bare how much they are meant to reduce the ever inquisitive, vibrant, restless, wondering and intermingling human race to a dormant, isolated, immobile object ever fixated to its soil. Since the assumption behind these concepts is little reflective of much of the current social reality, particularly in urban context, we may be justified to think that these concepts are rather used as tools to advance unjust and discriminatory governance in otherwise much more complex and pluralized identity arenas.<br /><br />In the view of the “Heroic-Folkish-Realists”, these concepts designate natural standards and values that belong to a higher order. Accordingly, they proclaim the “natural” inequality of men is more than their “artificial” equalization, (notice the hierarchical classification of “nation”, “nationalities” and “peoples” in the Ethiopian context), the “body more than the mind”, “health more than morality”, “force more than law”, “strong hatred more than feeble sympathy”.<br /><br />It, thus, comes as no surprise why many of the racial/ethno-centric political entities often opt to radical, exclusionist, totalitarian and repressive political systems. Candidly speaking, their real intent is not so much to bring about true liberation to people as it is to meet the power hunger of the elites by subjecting the largely cosmopolitan new generation to past traditions and the rule of autarchy to the effect of depriving their individual freedom and autonomy.<br /><br />Viewed in light of the most influential social organization theory of Sociologist E. Durkheim, the idea of “natural” social organization will be but a hollow assumption that effectively denies the indisputable dynamic nature of social processes. According to Durkheim, what primarily governs the organization of social life is but the degree of the homogeneity-heterogeneity of the social composition of a society as determined by the prevailing state of division of labor in a given society. Thus, whereas in simpler, traditional and relatively homogenous societies where there is little diversification of labor the principle of social organization mainly rests on the shared similarity of consciousness among members of a community that he termed mechanical solidarity (apparently close to the conception of the “Heroic-Folkish Realism”); but, then, as the society becomes more diverse and heterogeneous in term of division of labor, as is the case in urban context, the principle would subsequently shift from shared consciousness to mutually complimentary relationships as derived from the specialization of labor that he labeled organic<br />solidarity.<br /><br />Durkheim characterizes organic solidarity, as a spontaneous human association formed out of the necessity of each person’s need to maintain himself through his work. Each individual, thus, assigns himself to a special function in order, by the force of events, to make himself in solidarity with others. Since it is a spontaneous association, it does not require any coercive forceeither to produce or to maintain it. Subsequently, the reward system in such a social system will essentially be a meritocratic type, i.e. a remunerative mechanism based on one’s own individual effort and achievement instead of his affinity with the group.<br /><br />In short, the biggest blunder with the fundamentalist racial/ethnocentric world view lies in its static view of the otherwise dynamic and complex social life as it unfolds on the ground. This may partly explain why the extremist ethno-centric ideologues here in Ethiopia have remained stuck to an empty sentimental propaganda speech of some naïve student activists of the 1960’s or 1970s (such as the often cited–like an article of faith–Wallellign Mekkone’s speech some half a century back) instead of a systematic current empirical study of the interaction and intermingling of different cultures to justify their political causes. Alas, this tradition seems to be continuing even to these days as the hardliner protagonists enthusiastically engage in relentless hateful and devilish rhetoric sandwiched in highly confusing jargons probably with the view to impose their uncompromising political will as being little understood. Here we need to recall the adage, “The simpler, the true”, as truth doesn’t beg much stuffing and bluffing.<br /><br /><b>The Oneness of life</b><br /><br />All said, what is, thus, now needed to get out of this quagmire is to give some little time for a sober, realistic and logical reflection on life in general. To this end, against the hateful and divisive world view of the “Heroic-Folkish-Realists”, most scientific studies and almost all spiritual traditions invariably verify the inherently oneness of all life, much less the unity among human beings who have been living together for quite some time. It, thus, goes without saying the “natural” organization of human life rests not so much on filial division and spiteful discrimination as it is on firm foundation of oneness, love, peace, justice, compassion, sympathy and brotherhood among various people that happen to be sharing–wittingly or unwittingly–the<br />same life fate.<br /><br />This may sound to the hawkish mind as some sort of feeble “exotic” and “aesthetic” politics. But, they have got to know that our primary natural identity ultimately turns out to be that of the unchanging, potentially divine inner most nature of humanity and as such, all the rest external appearances–ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, what have you–come only as mere changing secondary identities while being continually constructed, de-constructed and reconstructed by the actions and interactions of humans themselves at different historical times.<br /><br /><i>Taye Negussie (PhD) is Assistant Professor pf Sociology Addis Ababa University and could be reached with is e-mail address : <a href="mailto:tayesosa@yahoo.com">tayesosa@yahoo.com</a></i><br /><br />_____</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/ethiopia-behind-politics-of-hatred.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-5578680637329057431Tue, 21 Jul 2015 07:13:00 +00002015-07-21T03:34:49.895-07:00EritreaEthiopiaGetachew RedaGinbot7Hailemariam DesalegneNewsWarTPLF split over potential invasion of Eritrea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none; text-align: center;"><img alt="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BupB8kohcO8/VTLtT-xz_LI/AAAAAAAAJLo/A17lxN2Wf6I/s1600/no%2Bimage.jpg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BupB8kohcO8/VTLtT-xz_LI/AAAAAAAAJLo/A17lxN2Wf6I/s1600/no%2Bimage.jpg" /></div>By <a href="http://www.africaintelligence.com/ION/politics-power/2015/07/14/eprdf-split-over-potential-intervention-in-eritrea,108083688-BRE" target="_blank">Africa Intelligence&nbsp;</a><br /><br />According to Government sources, opinions within the ruling Coalition Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) are divided about the possibility of an intervention in Eritrea – evidenced by the contradictions between Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and the spokesman for the government, Getachew Reda.<br /><br />Speaking to parliament on 7 July, Desalegn stated that if Eritrea did not cease its destabilising activity, Ethiopia would be obliged to take direct measures against its northerly neighbour.<br /><br />The previous day, the government spokesman, who opposes intervening in Eritrea, had denied reports on Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT)concerning military operations against government troops in Tigray (northern Ethiopia) carried out in early July by July by combatants of an armed opposition movement backed by Eritrea, Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 for Unity and Democratic Movement (AGUDM).</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/tplf-split-over-potential-invasion-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520884011414371679.post-4697114376614245945Tue, 21 Jul 2015 05:47:00 +00002015-07-20T22:47:07.021-07:00EthiopiaOpinionTeshome DebalkeZehabesha.comJunk Journalism Verses Real journalism: Ze-Habesha or Ay-Habesha Media?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Junk Journalism Verses Real journalism: Ze-Habesha or Ay-Habesha Media?</b><br /><br />By <a href="http://ecadforum.com/2015/07/20/junk-journalism-zehabesha-or-ay-habesha/" target="_blank">Teshome Debalke</a><br /><br />The tragedy of the State of Media and journalism in Ethiopia is known as TPLFs propaganda mill factory that transmits in multiple languages in the wishes of TPLF warlords. The self-proclaimed Tigray people representative led Apartheid regime of the Federal ethnic Nation and Nationality of Ethiopia is feeding our people lookalike news, political entertainment and propaganda drama — too busy trying to rewrite everything, including history to prolong the Apartheid system where its very survival depends on. Without it; TPLF is nothing but gangs of ethnic warlords feasting on the expense of and riding on the back of the people of Ethiopia as design by their enablers.<br /><br />Far away from the Apartheid regime controlled territory of Ethiopia in the free world where the real battle is fought to win the hearts-and-minds of the people of Ethiopia that run away from tyranny. One would think; the free world is where the good, the bad and the ugly Medias (junk verses real journalism) would be sorted out; not by how much cut-and-paste news they provide from other sources or cook up their own imagination but, engage in critical investigative reporting that matters to the people they claim to serve but, It wasn’t meant to be. An average Media in Diaspora today is nothing more than Coffee Shop chitchat (Tela BetWore) pasted on the unfortunate cyberspace that was invented to revolutionize information transmission.<br /><br />Sadly to say Ze Hbesha joined the rank and file of the sorry State of Media to force us asks Ze Habisha or Ay Habisha. Its latest press coverage of the lone ranger Ethiopian Review editor and journalist wannabe Elias Kifle apologizing ‘Ethiopians’ for his past association with Shabia where unidentified individuals clapping their hands on the background. It reminded me of TPLF’ that is known to fabricate drama and make it look like real.<br /><br />When two ‘Medias’ editors collude for one-and-only thing and make it look like another it is called junk journalism. But, when they insult the intelligence of the people they want to reach it is crime of reducing the public to their level. I noticed many Medias, political parties and civic organization doing the same.<br /><br />The 1st Media (ER) editor giving a press statement and the second Media (ZH) editor making a video with clapping hands heard on the background without identifying ZH reporter nor showing the people clapping their hands and without asking the ER editor and the supposedly audience hard question it is gorilla journalism at best. What did TPLF’s junk journalist do different than the two clown journalist wannabes doing?<br /><br />Looking at it positively, it reminds me of what the British playwright and screenwriter Sir Tom Stoppard said;<br /><br />“<i>Junk journalism is the evidence of a society that has got at least one thing right, that there should be nobody with the power to dictate where responsible journalism begins</i>”<br /><br />Therefore, junk journalism is a good thing but, what is missing in our society is sorting out junk journalism from real journalism. Understandably, it is a monumental task when the government is a factory of junk journalist and spending substantial resources to make sure no real journalism see the day.<br /><br />As they say ‘you get what you put in’; like junk food that fills your stomach and start working in your vain pumping its chemical residue in your body to make you fat and ugly, junk journalism does the same to your brain pumping its fairytale residue to make you irrational enough to believe you are a journalist for cutting-and-pasting anything.<br /><br />The legendary Ethiopian artist Telahun Gesese said; ‘አቅምን አውቆ መኖር ታላቅ ችሎታ ነው’ or as our people say ‘አላዋቂ ሳሚ ንፍጥ ይለቀልቃል’ if only we could listen.<br /><br />A bit of an advice is in order to those who think they are journalists-Medias<br /><br />The British newspaper and publishing magnate Lord Northcliff put it this way “<i>News is something someone wants suppressed. Everything else is just advertising</i>”<br /><br />In that note, all Medias should be mindful; Ethiopians are sick and tired of junk journalism (advertisement) that infested the Woyane occupied nation of Ethiopia and migrated to the free world to feed us junk information.<br /><br />That said; gone are the days of claiming you’re journalists — pasting advertisement. The staged ER editor empty apology was directed to undermine Ginbot 7. ZeHabesha gorilla coverage was advertisement was directed to TPLF’s apologists nothing to do with the people of Ethiopia, nada. They both proved to qualify for junk journalism and for that we have Woyane; we don’t need more junk journalism. Either you do it right or don’t do it at all. Advertising is a good thing as long as we know who the advertisers are or not presented as journalism.<br /><br />What we need is real journalism. The question is what is real journalism?<br /><br />The early 20th century American Journalist Walter Lippmann once said “<i>There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and to shame the devil.</i>”<br /><br />Ethiopians don’t need advertisement of wishes we need journalism to follow the higher law of ‘telling the truth and shaming the devil’.<br /><br />There two ways junk journalism develops; to give comfort to the devil or to piggyback on the devil to advertise something else. I am not sure which one the two clowns represent. But, what I am sure is they are practicing junk journalism.<br /><br />But, there is hope to graduate from junk journalism to the real deal. First respect to the truth, yourself and the profession goes a long way. Second, breaking the back of the ‘devil’ requires digging to the roots of the truth not skirting it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F1Kdsm8JDU/Va3cA6Zlp2I/AAAAAAAAL4M/6BtPyAZWsA8/s1600/Biniam-Tewolde1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F1Kdsm8JDU/Va3cA6Zlp2I/AAAAAAAAL4M/6BtPyAZWsA8/s320/Biniam-Tewolde1.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>For example, the recent revelation the Woyane Information Network Security Agency (INSA) hacking team led by ‘Biniam Tewolde’ (pictured) from Defence Engineering College, Berhanu Girmay Desta from “University of electronic and technology of China (UESTC), Seblewoin Tsegaye Demessie Hunan University- Computer Science and Technology and Godif Nigus Tesfau with unknown background was the breaking news that should have been followed to their networks of agents in diaspora.<br /><br /><a href="https://wikileaks.org/hackingteam/emails/?q=Ethiopia&amp;mfrom=&amp;mto=&amp;title=&amp;notitle=&amp;date=&amp;nofrom=&amp;noto=&amp;count=1000&amp;sort=0#searchresult" target="_blank">https://wikileaks.org/hackingteam/emails</a><br /><br />This high priority news that required follow up and deep investigation to find out the agents of Woyane from Asia to North America would have gotten the devil its due to run. But, diversion to something else is what we see on most Medias including ER and EthioMedia. ZeHabisha is going in the same direction too.<br /><br />Running out of diversion to face the truth; on July 20 EthioMedia featured; Berhanu Nega gives up life in America to lead uprising against tyranny in Ethiopia (Ethiomedia). When you open the link it reads<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ethiomedia.com/102shows/6135.html" target="_blank">Berhanu Nega gives up comfy life in America to lead insurrection in Africa</a><br /><br />Reading the title I am not sure what EM editor that spends most of his adult life as ‘journalist trying to communicate to the public. The first one appears he is trying to say the good Dr. gave up in life all together and the declared armed struggle is also reported as uprising. On the second title it is not life he gave up but ‘comfy’ and not uprising but insurrection. It appears he is constipating to come up with the right word to communicate what he wanted to say.<br /><br />Then came the led paragraph;<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">SEATTLE – Berhanu Nega, leader of Patriotic Ginbot 7, on Saturday bid farewell to his career as an economics professor here in America to lead a struggle in Africa against the despotic regime in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</blockquote><br />Here is junk journalism at its best– stating with the title. Dr. Berhanu is not new for the struggle or ‘giving up ‘comfy’ before. He also led the arm struggle or what EM Abrha Belai referred as ‘insurrection’ from the day G7 was formed. In fact, Dr. Berhanu and his compatriots formed G7 specifically to wage war on TPLF and are the only group that tried both peaceful and armed struggle against TPLF led Apartheid regime of Ethiopia.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, EM refused to source ESAT’s news regarding Patriotic G7 military attack on Woyane troops. Instead it put out diversion news titled ‘Eritrean and Ethiopia; war again?’ (It no longer is posted on front page) with a video link of the Woyane puppet PM warning Shaibia to undermine the movement anyway possible.<br /><br />A year ago EM sourcing Elias of Ethiopia Review reported Patriotic- Ginbot 7 leaders Andargachew’s kidnaping was the work of Shaibia with no success. A year later when the struggle intensifies and bullets start flying, EM and ER couldn’t swallow the truth to come up with yet with another bizarre reports.<br /><br />No one knows if Dr. Berhanu told EM editors that he is leaving his ‘comfy’ life for good or not. There is no way of knowing whether Birhanu told EM of Bilai he is going permanently or EM editor made it up to fit his imaginations or wishes either. It is not also clear Dr. Berhanu discussed his career goal with EM editor or if EM editor understands what a career in academia means. I am not sure of what was all the fuss about whether Dr. Berhanu is economics professor or not or in America or Timbuktu to lead an armed struggle in Africa or Ethiopia either. He reminded me TPLF’s apologists referring Ethiopia as East Africa or Horn of Africa for reason I believe is to confuse Ethiopians.<br /><br />What is giving contemporary journalists constipation to behave like junk journalists?<br /><br />An amateur like me can easily figure out without blinking an eye. Here is my take; they all have agenda other than freeing our people from the ruling Apartheid tyranny and or potential future tyrants.<br /><br />As they say; you can run but can’t hide. And as I said before ESAT is chocking them from spitting out the truth. If that is not the case I can’t find anything that made our contemporary Medias having seizer when they hear the truth.<br /><br />Ethiopians are watching whether Medias are with the people of Ethiopia or sucking up for one or other interest groups.<br /><br />Sooner or later they will shape up or shipped out, I guarantee it.</div>http://www.durame.com/2015/07/junk-journalism-verses-real-journalism.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)